Establishment
The best time for sowing a lawn is either spring or autumn. The soil surface must be kept moist with light watering until the seeds germinate and are established. Different seed mixes are made for particular lawn uses; from fine seed mixes (decorative lawns) to coarser seed mixes (play areas). Laying turf is more expensive than sowing, but provides an instant lawn. Instant turf is good for planting sloping areas.
Watering
When watering new grass, give a good soak once a week unless the weather is very hot. Thorough watering will encourage deep rooting. With established lawns, watering depends largely on the grass type, the soil and weather. Fine grasses require more watering than the tougher species. Turf growing on sandy soils will need more watering than heavy soils.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lawns when they are actively growing, in spring and autumn. In autumn, top dressing with peat or well-rotted compost where the grass roots can utilise the nutrients.
Mowing
Try not to mow too closely as this encourages weeds and shallow rooting. For garden lawns, a height of one inch is optimal. Remove the grass clippings and use them as compost material. Lawns must be mowed frequently during the growing season.
Weed Control
Prevent weed establishment by maintaining a healthy, vigorous lawn using the watering and fertiliser regimes mentioned above. Various lawn herbicides are available from garden centres. Moss is usually a problem in poorly drained soils and can be controlled by specialised moss killers.
Pests
Grass grubs feed on roots causing yellow patches and stunted lawn growth. Apply Soil Insect Killer in spring or use the plastic sheeting method. By soaking the infested areas with water and then covering with black polythene sheeting, or sacking, grubs should come to the surface the following morning. Remove the coverings and either sweep up the grubs, and destroy them, or leave for the birds to eat.
The best time for sowing a lawn is either spring or autumn. The soil surface must be kept moist with light watering until the seeds germinate and are established. Different seed mixes are made for particular lawn uses; from fine seed mixes (decorative lawns) to coarser seed mixes (play areas). Laying turf is more expensive than sowing, but provides an instant lawn. Instant turf is good for planting sloping areas.
Watering
When watering new grass, give a good soak once a week unless the weather is very hot. Thorough watering will encourage deep rooting. With established lawns, watering depends largely on the grass type, the soil and weather. Fine grasses require more watering than the tougher species. Turf growing on sandy soils will need more watering than heavy soils.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lawns when they are actively growing, in spring and autumn. In autumn, top dressing with peat or well-
Mowing
Try not to mow too closely as this encourages weeds and shallow rooting. For garden lawns, a height of one inch is optimal. Remove the grass clippings and use them as compost material. Lawns must be mowed frequently during the growing season.
Weed Control
Prevent weed establishment by maintaining a healthy, vigorous lawn using the watering and fertiliser regimes mentioned above. Various lawn herbicides are available from garden centres. Moss is usually a problem in poorly drained soils and can be controlled by specialised moss killers.
Pests
Grass grubs feed on roots causing yellow patches and stunted lawn growth. Apply Soil Insect Killer in spring or use the plastic sheeting method. By soaking the infested areas with water and then covering with black polythene sheeting, or sacking, grubs should come to the surface the following morning. Remove the coverings and either sweep up the grubs, and destroy them, or leave for the birds to eat.
Lawn Care
