Deirdre O Meara As spring approaches, many gardeners are looking for ways to achieve the perfect green lawn. Fortunately, gardening expert Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, has shared his tips and tricks for a healthy and vibrant lawn that anyone can follow.
Firstly, Bonnett advises against cutting the grass too short. While a neat and tidy garden may be desirable, shorter grass means less photosynthesis, resulting in less growth. Instead, gardeners should aim for grass that is two to three inches long.
Another essential tip is to use fertilizer. Gardeners should fertilize their lawns a few times throughout the year, in the spring, summer, and early autumn. After mowing the lawn, lay down the fertilizer with a spreader to ensure even coverage. Leave the fertilizer to settle in the grass for around 24 hours, then give it a light water.
Top dressing is another trick worth incorporating into a healthy grass regime. Mix sand, soil loam, and peat together and apply it to dry grass. The materials will transfer nutrients back into the soil and promote growth.
Gardeners should also hang onto grass clippings, as they can be beneficial for grass growth and health. Clippings decompose and transform healthy nutrients that promote growth back into the soil, keeping the grass healthy.
Adjusting the watering schedule is another valuable tip. Instead of short bursts of watering, give the grass a more concentrated, longer water a few times a week. This will allow the water to penetrate down to the roots, and leaving it for a couple of days will give the grass plenty of time to soak it up before the next watering.
Aeration is also essential for a healthy lawn. This process involves creating small holes in the lawn to allow air and nutrients to access the roots. Gardeners can easily do this with a garden fork or buy a lawn aerator.
Finally, overseeding is another trick that can lead to fuller-looking grass. Gardeners should look out for bare spots on the lawn, as these indicate less-healthy grass. Overseeding the area is a great way to sow new seed over the existing lawn and promote growth.
By following these tips consistently, gardeners can achieve a healthy and vibrant lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
