SPRING GARDENING GUIDE – PART 2

Part 1 explored the basis of what you need to do to start prepping your garden ready for Spring. If you have not read it then please click here. Here in Part 2 we will be focusing on treating your lawn and the steps taken to start bringing it back to life. Quite simply, a beautiful lawn will really set off your garden this Spring.

LAWN CARE

Maintaining the condition of your lawn is an imperative aspect in ensuring that your garden looks as good as it possibly could throughout the Spring months. Due to the rigours of winter, your lawn needs careful attention as the grass starts to grow again.

MOWING

It is highly important that in early Spring you set your lawnmower to quite a high height, to give the grass as little stress as possible during the mowing process. Trimming a little but often is the best approach during the Spring period. As the grass begins to grow faster as we move further into the Spring, increase the mowing frequency and gradually start to reduce the length of the cut. It is recommended that the lawn is cut to around 2.5 – 4cm (1.1 – 5in) This will assist you in creating a look that is perfect for your garden. It is imperative to not cut it too short, as that will weaken the grass and make it easier for moss and weeds to work there way through to the surface.

SCARIFICATION

This process significantly helps to reduce the build-up of dead grass, moss and mulch which can cause momentous stress to your lawn. The easiest way to apply such method would be through the use of a spring -tine rake, vigorously pulling the rake across the grass. This enables moss and mulch to be loosened up and come to the top surface area of your lawn. Once this process has been completed, you can pile together the debris and dispose of it.

AERATION

This can be a very tiring job, but do not be put off as it is exceedingly rewarding once it has been finished as it is highly beneficial for your lawn. Aerating is the process of perforating the soil with small holes in order to allow air, nutrients and water to penetrate the grass roots. This process allows for the roots to grow deeply and thus produce a more vigorous lawn. The overall aim of aerating your lawn is to alleviate the soil compaction, allowing for it to breath more freely.

FEEDING

Spring is a great time of year to make sure that your Lawn is receiving all the necessary nutrients, so that it can grow nice and healthily. Like most living organisms, the higher the nutrition, the stronger and healthier it will become.

OVERSEEDING

With the very hot summer which Britain sustained last year and the cold weather engulfing the country over the colder months, it may be beneficial to overseed the lawn at the beginning of Spring. Overseeding should help bring your lawn back to full density and slowly bring colour back to your grass.

DEALING WITH WEEDS AND MOSS

Weeds and moss are two elements which can go a very long way in ensuring that we do not enjoy our lawns. However, a well-maintained lawn which is strong and healthy will stand a much better chance of fighting away the various seeds and moss which will try and force their way through.

If you are suffering from weeds and moss, you should not hesitate and put off the job of removing them. The quicker you react, the better your chances of limiting their overall impact across your garden. Using a liquid weed killer is the best solution to limit the overall impact of the weeds and moss. It is important to know that using weed killers will not kill your lawn, if using the guidance supplied on the packaging. For example, many individuals start to panic when the moss starts turning black. That is a good sign as it means that the applied product is removing the unwanted mulch in your garden. Once moss starts turning black and weeds start to loosen up and change in colour, you are then ready to start removing them to enable your lawn to return to full vigour.

BARE PATCHES

With the wet and cold weather sustained over the past few months, many lawns have taken a battering. When considering the exceptionally warm summer sustained last year, it is fair to say that our lawns have been through the wars recently. Patches of baldness across your lawn can really ruin the look of your garden. Lawn repair products are great in helping your lawn recover and start growing back across areas where there is little grass. Here at Polhill we have a selection of lawn care products which would ensure your lawn recovers to its former glory.

POLHILL’S TOP TIPS

• Trim the edges of your lawn – This helps to create a tidy and cared for look
• Scarify – Use a rake to pull through the unwanted moss and mulch
• Aerating – After aerating add a top dressing to further enhance drainage
• Mowing – Do not cut the lawn too short. Aim for around 2.5 – 4cm cut
• Use lawn care products – We have a great variety of lawn care products which can help bring your lawn back to life
• Watering – If there is a lack of rain, give the lawn a light watering to ensure the roots are receiving the water it needs

We hope that the above information and tips have helped you to gain insightful knowledge with regards to treating your lawn from the forces sustained over the winter period. With careful maintenance and a movement away from the freezing cold weather, will go a long way in helping your lawn look great heading in and throughout the Spring months.

Check back next week for our final instalment of getting your garden ready for Spring, where we will be looking at vegetables that you can start planting!