Perk up lawns
HEAVY use over summer has left parts of my tiny lawn compacted, which means drainage will be impeded. This won’t cause any immediate problems but as the weather gets damper it will result in water lying on the surface, providing ideal conditions for moss and weeds to grow.
Compaction normally occurs on grass paths, under kids play equipment and other much used parts of the lawn. Fortunately it’s an easy problem to sort out. Aerating the compressed layer of soil under the grass – plunging a garden fork into the ground and wiggling it backwards and forwards – helps to open up a drainage channel. I repeat this every 4in (10cm) across the affected area. Once the lawn is full of holes, I spread a sandy top dressing over the surface, working it into the cavities with a broom.
Heavy rain over the past couple of months will have flushed a lot of nutrients from my lawn, leaving it in a weaker state to face winter. Spreading some autumn lawn feed granules over the surface restores colour and strengthens roots, helping grass withstand tough winter weather. However, if your lawn is full of weeds or moss, it’s best to use a combined lawn feed, weed and moss killer product.
Early autumn is also a good time to repair bare patches. Prick over the worn surface with a fork, then rake level. Sow grass seed over the surface, cover with a thin layer of compost and water. Protect newly sown areas from birds with pieces of fine netting held in place with camping pegs. Remove after germination – this can take up to 10 days.