Gardeners are being urged to carry out three key spring jobs to help tired lawns recover after winter – with experts warning not to cut the grass too short when using the mower. According to advice from BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, grass often needs a boost in early spring after months of cold, wet weather.
A few simple tasks can help lawns regenerate and grow thicker ahead of summer. As the country begins to see more daylight hours and grass starts to grow at a faster rate, now is the time to begin work on the garden to ensure it is ready for the summer months. For those who are new to gardening or unsure of the best methods to enhance the lawn, the BBC magazine has three perfect tips to have them in great shape.
1. Aerate the lawn
The first job is to aerate the soil to improve drainage and allow air to reach the roots. Gardeners can do this by pushing a garden fork into the ground at regular intervals across the lawn. This helps relieve compacted soil and prevents waterlogging after winter rain.
Experts say the holes can also be filled with sharp sand to help the soil dry out and improve drainage over time.
2. Rake away moss and dead grass
The next step is to remove moss and thatch using a spring-tined rake. Clearing away this layer allows light, water and nutrients to reach the grass roots and encourages healthier growth.
Although the lawn may look patchy straight after raking, experts say it will quickly recover and grow back thicker.
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3. Neaten the edges
Gardeners are also advised to cut crisp edges around the lawn using a spade or half-moon edging tool. This improves the overall appearance of the lawn and prevents grass spreading into flowerbeds or borders.
Even with all of the above, gardeners have been warned about ensuring that the first mow of the lawn is done correctly to give your grass the best chance of thriving.
When the time comes for the first mow of the year, experts warn gardeners not to cut the grass too short, ensuring that mower blades are set higher for the first cut of the season.
It is believed that this helps protect the grass and encourages it to thicken rather than weaken.
After carrying out these spring tasks and giving the lawn a gentle trim, gardeners should start to see healthier growth as temperatures rise and the grass enters its main growing season.
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