Time to Give Your Lawn the Green Light!
The temperature outside is already so favorable that you don't have to worry about anything and you can get straight to work step by step. You know how it is, let's get into it with enthusiasm,…
GET RID OF SURFACE DEBRIS
First of all, you need to remove all remnants of decaying leaves, dead grass blades and other unwanted debris that create an impermeable layer for much-needed oxygen and water. After all, you want to enjoy fresh greenery, don't you? Usually, ordinary rakes are sufficient to simply get rid of unwanted spots, otherwise you'll need to use more advanced garden equipment.
TACKLE MOLD AND AERATE
For larger areas and unwanted moss, mold and other debris that rakes alone won't be enough for, scarifying rakes or even a motorized scarifier, i.e. an aerator, will come in handy! Thanks to so-called scarification, the lawn is not only cut through and the system of unwanted overgrown debris is disrupted, but at the same time the grass gets space to breathe freely and absorb nutrients. Without oxygen, it just won't work.
Tip: Ideally start scarifying when the soil is dry. After cutting through, thoroughly rake up all grass remnants and debris. Use suitable chemicals on mold and moss first!
GET RID OF BARE SPOTS, SOW SEEDS
After aeration and cutting with a scarifier, unsightly bare spots without grass may suddenly appear. In such case, use grass seed and sow the soil in selected areas. Freshly sown seeds need plenty of moisture, so don't forget to regularly give them enough water. Otherwise, they'll hardly germinate!
SHORTEN, MOW, BUT IN MODERATION
Shortening the length of grass is not only an activity for appearance, but also has practical significance. Mowing supports overall growth and thus lawn density and conversely prevents the growth of pesky weeds! However, too frequent and drastic shortening of grass can lead to excessive drying out. It is therefore recommended to carry out mowing once a week and maintain a height of approximately 3 cm.
Tip: As for the style of mowing grass, there are no limits, but there is a proven method. It's advisable to start shortening the edge areas of the lawn first and then mow nicely strip by strip. The reason is simple, you always steer the mower forward and don't have to go back unnecessarily!
How to use mowed grass?
Don't know what to do with grass clippings? Even these seemingly unusable piles can be put to practical use! You can use grass clippings, for example, in compost, preferably in small batches, alternating with layers of soil, branches, or kitchen bio waste. They'll also be useful for clearing the area when establishing a flower bed. In larger quantities, simply layer the grass on the selected area, rake it after a few weeks, dig it in, and you're done! However, you can use grass directly as a natural fertilizer at the roots of trees and shrubs, where it will decompose quickly. Dried grass is also welcomed by farmers not only of farm animals, but also by those who can use it as bedding for their pets!
PROVIDE NECESSARY NUTRIENTS
After the demanding conditions of winter, grass needs a sufficient supply of nutrients to develop a beautiful colour, grow happily and break through annoying moss and weeds. It particularly welcomes fertilizers containing plenty of nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus.
Tip: Avoid fertilizing in strong sunlight, which could burn the lawn – that would be a real shame!
WATER REGULARLY
Drought doesn't do the lawn any good – it loses density and turns yellow. If the weather isn't being particularly kind to it, you be kind instead. It will definitely appreciate regular and generous watering!
Is the neighbour's lawn always a bit greener? That won't be the case anymore!