Give your lawn some love this autumn with British Garden Centres

As we head into Autumn, the following weeks present an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate and revitalise your lawn. With the mild temperatures and increased rainfall during this time, the conditions become ideal for the germination and growth of grass seed, shaping your lawn for the colder months to come. The team at British Garden Centres has put together this comprehensive guide to help you provide TLC to your lawn, ensuring that it thrives throughout the winter months and emerges lush and vibrant come spring.

Aeration

Aeration is a crucial process for enhancing the overall quality of the soil. By creating small holes in the soil, aeration helps to promote better soil structure, improves drainage, and enhances the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients. This is a simple process to do and can be done by using a core aerator or a garden fork. Both tools are effective in creating the necessary channels for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, leading to healthier and more vibrant grass growth over winter and into the new year.

Scarifying

Autumn is the ideal time to scarify your lawn. This process involves removing thatch, a layer of dead and decaying grass that can prevent nutrients, water, and air from reaching your lawn’s roots. Scarifying is particularly important during autumn as leaf fall can contribute to thatch build-up.

To scarify your lawn, begin by mowing it to a low height. Then, use a scarifier (either electric or manual) or a garden rake to work through the lawn, removing the thatch. Apply a lawn feed to provide essential nutrients for the upcoming dormant season.

Seeding your lawn

To ensure that your lawn is healthy and lush by the time spring arrives, it’s important to plant the right grass seed now. When selecting a grass seed blend, consider the specific requirements of your garden and soil type. Consider factors such as shade tolerance, wear resistance, and drought tolerance to ensure that the grass will thrive in your particular environment.

To sow your seed, start by preparing the area ensuring that the soil is loose and free of debris. Once the area is ready, sow the seed evenly across the prepared area and gently rake it into the soil.

After planting, it’s crucial to water the newly sown area regularly, setting the stage for a healthy lawn in the coming spring. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can hinder seed germination.

Mowing

In the autumn season, even though grass growth tends to slow down, it is still crucial to continue with regular mowing. Adjust the cutting height of your mower to at least 2cm or 1 inch. This higher setting encourages the grass roots to grow deeper, thus improving the lawn’s ability to withstand drought. Make sure that the mower blades are sharp as dull blades can tear the grass, causing damage and inhibiting healthy growth.

Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres said: “Autumn is the prime time to sow grass seed and breathe new life into your lawn! With the pleasant temperatures and cooler days, your grass will have the perfect opportunity to flourish. If your lawn is in need of a pick-me-up, make sure you visit your local British Garden Centres store to rejuvenate it for the upcoming season and fortify it for the winter ahead.”