While the majority of gardens rest during the winter months, January is still an ideal time to perform certain tasks. This includes pruning and performing certain lawn maintenance jobs. Lawn growth slows down during the colder months, so it’s best to refrain from mowing it, but there are some other tasks that can be done.
The RHS shared these tasks, which include repairing bare patches, evening out hollows and bumps, re-cutting lawn edges, and monitoring for waterlogging. Performing these in the winter months will ensure a thriving spring lawn.
Repair bare patches
January is a great time to repair bare patches, according to the RHS, especially around lawn edges.
The experts recommended using turf cut from other areas of the garden if available.
Even out hollows and bumps
The experts said: “You can do this by cutting an H-shape into the turf, peeling back the grass and filling the hollow with soil or removing soil from a bump.
“Re-lay the turf, push the cut edges together and firm it into place.”
Re-cut lawn edges
Gardeners can re-cut lawn edges with a half-moon edging iron or flat-bladed spade to give a neat finish, according to the experts.
They added: “Also maintain a 7.5cm gutter around the lawn edges to prevent grass spreading into your borders.”
Look out for waterlogging
Be aware of waterlogging after rain in January. To improve drainage, spike the lawn with a garden fork, then brush a mix of sharp sand and loam into the holes.
Although not a specific task for January, it’s also important to avoid walking on a frosty lawn.
This can damage the blades of grass, which go brittle in the cold. It could even leave brown footprints, which can take a few weeks to disappear.
If your lawn is frequently walked on in wet or cold weather, consider laying stepping stones to prevent causing damage and creating muddy patches.
The experts noted: “Set the stones level with the soil surface so they don’t interfere with mowing.”
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