Monty’s tips will result in a better-looking lawn in the summer
Monty Don has shared his lawn tips for March(Image: Getty Images)
Garden expert Monty Don has shared a warning about cutting lawns in March. Spring is finally here, and the UK has already seen the return of some sunny days.
Flowers are starting to bloom, and leaves are beginning to return to trees. However, Monty has urged gardeners not to get too ahead of themselves.
As much as gardeners want to get out in their open spaces in March, they still need to be aware of the elements. For months, many haven’t touched their lawns, and so they want to get things tidied up.
But Monty warns against cutting the grass too short. He said: “The grass will need mowing in March, but do not cut it too short. Just give it a light trim for the rest of this month.”
Don’t cut the grass too short in March(Image: Getty Images)
Monty explained: “This will encourage good root growth and as a result the grass will be a lot healthier and better able to resist summer drought.”
Being patient now will pay off in the long run. Monty also advises that if you want a nice lawn this summer, you need to make it healthy rather than fight issues like daisies, moss, and ants.
He said: “Nine times out of 10, if the grass is healthy, then everything else will look after itself.” To get a good lawn, Monty admits drainage is key.
Moss is a sign of poor drainage, which is made worse by shade. To improve drainage, Monty explained on his website that you should stick a fork in the ground and wiggle it at least once a year.
Repeat this process every six inches or so. Then, you should mix equal parts sieved topsoil, sharp sand and sieved leaf mould or compost.
Monty said if you don’t have all the items, sharp or silver sand will do. Spread this across the area where you have made holes, then brush it with a stiff broom.
Ensure the holes are filled with the mixture. Monty added: “It is also worth giving the lawn a good scratch with a wire rake.
“This will get at all the overwintering thatch and moss, and let light and water get to the soil and to the roots of the grass.
“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.”
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