If you’ve got a garden of your own, you’ll know that it requires attention throughout the year, especially as the seasons change.
As we head into autumn, a garden expert has shared the importance of applying an autumn fertiliser to lawns in September.
If you need to sow a new lawn or repair damage to current grass, September is the best month to do so, say the team at The Grass People.
This is because the mild weather creates suitable growing conditions for any new seeds gardeners lay for a new lawn or to fill in bare patches.
Ben Agnew, grass expert at Lawnsmith, has also explained how a checkerboard can ensure even application.
Autumn is said to be a key time in a garden’s calendar as the transition from the heat of summer to the colder months begins.
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Lawnsmith's Ben Agnew said: “Feeding your lawn correctly can help strengthen it for the winter ahead and set a solid foundation for the spring.
“Fertiliser prepares your lawn for the cold weather and helps strengthen the grassroots, making it more resistant to frost and disease. It also encourages healthier, denser growth in the spring.”
Feeding is also a crucial step for sowing new seeds which many gardeners will be doing this season to repair bare patches or to start a fresh lawn.
“A fertiliser will support new growth but you need a balanced feed. For newly sown or overseeded lawns, use a feed that is high in phosphorus to support root development,” Mr Agnew said.
“Nitrogen is usually in spring and summer feeds but adding a moderate level to an overseeding lawn will promote steady growth.”
It’s essential that existing lawns are protected against the winter chill. A low nitrogen, high potassium fertiliser strengthens the roots while avoiding excessive top growth.
Tin foil hack for making grass healthier
If you’ll be sowing new seeds to repair bare patches on your lawn, The Grass People recommend using tin foil or other reflective items like CDs.
They say these could be a secret weapon to ensure the seeds are protected.
Chirs McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People, said: “After laying new seed, it’s important to discourage birds and other animals from eating your seed before it’s had a chance to germinate.
“As much as wildlife brings lots of benefits to gardens, they can also cause havoc, especially when it comes to growing a new lawn or filling in gaps in your lawn.
“Grass seed is an accessible food source to birds so the simplest thing to do is to deter them away using distracting sounds and sights.
“Reflective items create extra light that wards birds off, especially if the items move, too. One cost-effective way is to use old CDs tied to bamboo sticks and put these around your garden.”
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“Iron supplements improve the grass colour and toughens its defences against fungal diseases and moss during damp months. Phosphate should also be in the mix to support root development,” Mr Agnew added.
“You should apply your autumn feed early enough for it to have an effect before the first frost arrives.”
You’ll need to make sure you spread your fertiliser equally to avoid overstressing areas while others are left without product.
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Mr Agnew said: “You could visually break your lawn down into a checkerboard, using items to mark it out if you need to. Start spreading fertiliser evenly as you move in one direction from one side of your lawn to the other.
“Then change direction. So if you moved horizontally in rows before, now go vertically across your lawn while applying a feed. As you move in rows, back and forth, you will be crossing over the same areas multiple times so everywhere should be covered by the time you’re done.
“As you’ll revisit areas, avoid using too much feed at once as you don’t want to over-fertilise.”
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