Monty Don says a simple garden task will clear moss and boost healthier, thicker grass growth this spring
Shania King-Soyza, Angela Patrone Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Niamh Kirk Lifestyle Writer
05:50, 11 Apr 2026
Monty Don says a simple garden task will clear moss (Image: Getty)
If your lawn appears patchy, spongy or covered in moss, a straightforward adjustment to your gardening routine could make all the difference.
Moss is a familiar sight in UK gardens and typically spreads where the grass is thin. While it might appear to be a problem in its own right, moss is generally just a sign of underlying issues. More often than not, it suggests that conditions in your lawn favour moss over healthy grass.
Monty Don recommends one straightforward task gardeners should prioritise now to get rid of moss and encourage stronger, denser grass growth.
Writing on his website, he said: “The best grass likes very well-drained soil. Moss, for example, is always a symptom of poor drainage, made worse by shade.
“Unfortunately, even the best-prepared soil becomes compacted by matted roots, rain and, especially, normal family use.
“The answer is to work on it at least once a year by sticking a fork in the ground and wiggling it about and repeating the process every six inches or so.”
Moss establishes itself on lawns suffering from waterlogging(Image: Getty)
Moss takes hold of lawns affected by waterlogging, thriving in moist conditions, which signals that the grass cannot drain properly due to compacted earth.
Compressed soil can lead to grass decline and promote disease, while simultaneously preventing nutrients and sunlight from reaching the grass roots, increasing the risk of uneven growth.
Puncturing the soil with a garden fork enhances lawn aeration, forming channels that enable air and water to move more freely through the grass roots.
Once you’ve thoroughly aerated the turf, encourage growth by mixing a simple, homemade blend that breaks down naturally and delivers essential nutrients to your lawn.
Monty advised: “Mix up equal portions of sieved topsoil, sharp sand and sieved leaf mould or compost. If you do not have these things to hand, then just sharp or silver sand will do the job.
“Spread it across the area you have pricked and brush it in with a stiff broom, filling the holes with the mixture. This will help drainage and feed the grass.”
Lawns will be moss-free and ‘thicker than ever’ after Monty Don’s 1 simple task (Image: Getty)
Applying mulch not only enriches the soil but also acts as a natural deterrent against weeds and moss taking hold, and strengthens grass, giving it the upper hand over competing growth.
Finally, drag a wire rake across your lawn to clear away moss and other organic debris that builds up on the turf and blocks nutrients from penetrating the soil below.
Monty said: “It is also worth giving the lawn a good scratch with a wire rake. This will remove all the overwintering thatch and moss, letting light and water reach the soil and the grass roots.
“Put the debris on the compost and then mow. It will look a little bald for a week or so, but will grow back thicker than ever.”
Taking the time to carry out these simple steps in spring will not only rid your lawn of moss but also promote stronger, healthier grass growth, leaving you with a lush, vibrant green lawn to enjoy throughout the season.
However, if this method proves unsuccessful, experts at Lawn Pack recommend using Iron Sulphate. They explained: ” The most effective moss treatment in UK lawns is Iron Sulphate (Ferrous Sulphate).
“When applied correctly, it treats moss quickly, turns moss black within days, and makes removal easier. Apply using a sprayer according to product dilution instructions. Within a few days, the moss will darken and begin to die.”
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