Growing a lawn
9 A ‘lawn’ is a broad term that covers everything from multi-purpose mown grass for relaxing and family play, to an attractive area of neat grass to contrast with border plants, or a highly manicured and pampered bowling-green type sward.
Why
Lawns give a softer look to a garden than hard landscaping and show off other plants beautifully. Grown well, they can also be a haven for living creatures.
How
Aerate, scarify and feed to look after a formal lawn. You can weed if weeds bother you, but if not, then embrace the natural look and consider them simply as part of a hard-wearing green tapestry. And if a clipped lawn no longer appeals to you, then try mowing less often and discover the beauty and wildlife appeal of long grass and wildflowers.
Making a new lawn from scratch can be done using seed or turf, with each having pros and cons. Seed is much cheaper and easier, but takes time to establish, while turf makes an instant transformation, but is much more expensive and more work. Whichever option you choose, do prepare the soil thoroughly – you only get one shot at that.
Do it now
Autumn is the time to give your hard-working lawn some TLC by aerating (spiking the ground with a garden fork) to reduce surface compaction and improve drainage. Then scarify (rake out dead grass and moss) and feed with an autumn lawn feed if your lawn is regularly mown.
If you want to sow a new lawn, early autumn or mid- to late spring are the best times to do it. You can lay turf throughout autumn or spring, or whenever weather conditions permit – even in summer if you water it regularly afterwards.
Handy kit
1 Fork or aerating machine 2 Rake or scarifying machine 3 Autumn or spring lawn feed 4 Lawn mower
5 Edging shears