As we head towards summer, June is one of the most important months for lawn care as plants begin their growing cycle.
Now, we all want a garden full of glorious grass – but when it comes to making that happen, we'd rather not give up our weekends to back-breaking work in the elements.
Luckily, there are a few fuss-free hack's to know about that ensure luscious lawns with low effort. We spoke to Kate Turner, gardening guru at Miracle-Gro, to find out more.
1. Don't battle bare patches
According to Kate, bare patches are one of the biggest challenges when maintaining a lawn. But one easy fix is often overlooked.
She says: "If grass is wearing away along a route you use regularly — such as the path to the washing line, shed or trampoline — don’t keep trying to repair it. Instead, turn it into a simple path with stepping stones and wood chippings. These high-traffic areas are notoriously difficult to restore, so this low-cost solution can save hours of patching later on.”
2. Give your grass a head start
While it can be tempting to feed your lawn little and often to ensure it’s pristine come summer, there’s an easier way to guarantee a lush result.
Kate explains: "Opt for using a balanced granular feed. Unlike liquid, which needs repeating through the summer, a granular fertiliser releases slowly, meaning one application keeps you going for up to three months.
"Simply run a spreader over your lawn and you’re done! To note, granular feed is best applied when the grass is moist but the blades are dry to avoid scorching. The only thing which requires your attention is water, if there’s no rain on the horizon – with Britain you never know – give it a good water to help the grass get going."
3. Hire a gardener that never rests
If you’re looking for perfect results and minimal effort, invest in your very own robot gardener.
Kate adds: "A robot mower will frequently mow at the right height and is actually the best way to build a thick, healthy lawn that naturally crowds out weeds."
"Robot mowers cut tiny amounts regularly, encouraging stronger grass growth. Setting it up once will ensure your lawn essentially takes care of itself. Perfect for those too time stripped for regularly mowing or people who suffer from hayfever allergies. For your first very own robot gardener, I would recommend Flymo’s EasiLife Go 250, a fully automatic lawn mower which you can control from the comfort of your phone, so you can spend more time lounging while your lawn continues to thrive."
4. Go no-mow
Perhaps the laziest lawn tip of all is to leave the lawn to its own devices. "This will make your garden more attractive for wildlife and pollinators such as bees and butterflies, who desperately need more places to habitat," says Kate. "Who knew being lazy could be so fruitful? You get a rest, while essential wildlife gets a nest!"
5. Stick a fork in it
A light scarify and aeration of your garden will reap many rewards come summer.
Kate shares how to do this: "Use a garden fork or aerator to make small holes across the lawn, helping water and nutrients reach the roots where they're needed most. Follow this up with a light scarify, meaning gently rake over the surface to clear away any built-up debris. This will give your grass the breathing room it needs to thrive."
"You can even go further and buy aerating shoes for your children, who may love stomping around the garden, a way to keep the kids happy, while you can you can lay back and relax."
One thing to NEVER DO
While it may be tempting to try artificial grass in your outdoor spaces, gardening and wildlife organisations are increasingly clear that real lawns, even imperfect ones, are preferable to artificial grass.
The RHS says tired or worn lawns can still be valuable if managed for wildlife, recommending relaxed mowing, flower-rich lawns, long grass or mini-meadow areas to create habitat for pollinators, grasshoppers and moth caterpillars.
Plantlife takes a firmer line on plastic lawns, saying that while artificial grass may have a place on some sports pitches, “when it comes to gardens you simply can’t beat the real thing”, because living lawns support wild plants and wider wildlife.
The Wildlife Trusts make a similar case for keeping grass alive, encouraging gardeners to let patches grow long, noting that long grass with flowers benefits insects, birds and small mammals.
Garden power tools
Telescopic Pole Hedge Trimmer
Bosch Bosch 1300W Corded Rotary Lawnmower
Cordless Brushless 33cm Lawn Mower
Kärcher K2 Pressure washer Corded
