Lawns can become an obsession. Not for me. I have reduced my lawn to around 3mx3m, in a paisley shape, which is just enough for me. It has led my daughter to refer to the garden as a 'show garden', because there are more plants than lawn, which, even at 15 she thinks is unreasonable, even though the only things she now does in the garden is sit. Despite it's reduced size, I neglect my lawn. For those of you who want an ever improving lawn, here are some tips.
Grass needs good drainage, regular mowing and raking, water and some feeding, once a year should be enough.
Pampering your lawn, such as by watering it regularly, will make it more vulnerable when there is any shortage of water.
Get rid of moss by improving drainage and light - rake regularly and aerate once or twice a year. Instructions below. Aerating improves drainage in the lawn, and gives the grass roots more space to grow. Over time, as people walk about your garden, the soil gets packed more and more tightly, and when it is compacted like that, it's harder for water to drain away, and harder for plant roots to get the nutrients they need out of the soil.
Aerating
There are lots of fancy machines for aerating grassed areas, mechanical ones that cost a fortune down to strap on spiked soles, for walking about in. The purpose is to make holes in the soil, to about two inches/five centimetres, then in order to keep the holes open, sand is swept into the holes. Over time the sand will get distributed through the soil, as worms come and go, and the drainage will be improved, even when the holes close, or appear closed.
Horticultural or washed sand is usually used. There are many debates about which kind of sand is best. Horticultural sand is very fine. Sharp sand can be used, although some think it has salt and other minerals in it, which can interfere with the way plants grow. My objection to sharp sand is that if it gets tracked into the house it may stain.
Aerating is usually done once a year, either in the autumn or in the spring. The soil needs to be moist, not wet or dry, for it to be effective.
Grass needs good drainage, regular mowing and raking, water and some feeding, once a year should be enough.
Pampering your lawn, such as by watering it regularly, will make it more vulnerable when there is any shortage of water.
Get rid of moss by improving drainage and light - rake regularly and aerate once or twice a year. Instructions below. Aerating improves drainage in the lawn, and gives the grass roots more space to grow. Over time, as people walk about your garden, the soil gets packed more and more tightly, and when it is compacted like that, it's harder for water to drain away, and harder for plant roots to get the nutrients they need out of the soil.
Aerating
There are lots of fancy machines for aerating grassed areas, mechanical ones that cost a fortune down to strap on spiked soles, for walking about in. The purpose is to make holes in the soil, to about two inches/five centimetres, then in order to keep the holes open, sand is swept into the holes. Over time the sand will get distributed through the soil, as worms come and go, and the drainage will be improved, even when the holes close, or appear closed.
Horticultural or washed sand is usually used. There are many debates about which kind of sand is best. Horticultural sand is very fine. Sharp sand can be used, although some think it has salt and other minerals in it, which can interfere with the way plants grow. My objection to sharp sand is that if it gets tracked into the house it may stain.
Aerating is usually done once a year, either in the autumn or in the spring. The soil needs to be moist, not wet or dry, for it to be effective.
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