It’s the micro, manageable dream of so many both on this side of the pond and in the States; to have a small lawn to nurture, tend, and spend time on.
In fact, a well kept, properly watered lawn can be something of a status symbol, particularly in the US, where they are considered the ”hallmark of home ownership’’ and ‘’markers of success’’, according to The Scientific American and their fascinating piece on the The American Obsession With Lawns.
But what if you’re starting your first lawn from scratch, rather than taking on an already beautifully manicured patch of grass made so by previous residents? Well, you’re going to need to follow these pro tips on growing your first lawn, of course…
Choose The Right Spot
When choosing a spot to grow your lawn, it’s essential to consider things like sunlight and drainage. If you live in an area with hot summers, make sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of shade. This will help your grass stay cooler and prevent it from drying out; it’s not much of a status symbol to have a scorched, yellow-looking lawn, after all!
Alternatively, you can look for grass that will tolerate (or even thrive in) the unique conditions of your garden and climate. Though we did just extol the virtues of shade, it’s best not to attempt growing a lawn under the shade of a tree; your grass will compete with the tree’s roots for moisture, and there’s only one winner in such a duel.
Another important tip if you’re growing a lawn close to a wall; build a small border with pebbles or stone between the base of the wall and your lawn, measuring a foot or two, to separate your lawn from direct contact with the wall. This is because brick from the wall absorbs and radiates heat, which can quickly dry your lawn out before it’s had a chance to grow.
You’ll also want to make sure the spot you choose has good drainage. Standing water can kill your grass, so you want to make sure it has a chance to drain away. You can avoid your lawn becoming waterlogged by pricking, slitting or spiking its surface.
Prepare The Soil
Before sowing the seeds for your lawn, you’ll want to prepare the soil. This involves things like testing the pH level and adding nutrients, fertiliser, and lawn feed, to ensure the roots will be strong. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
If you’re doing it yourself, there are kits you can buy at your local garden centre to test the soil. Once you know the pH level, you can make the necessary amendments to ensure its ideally suited to growing grass. This step is crucial because it will give your grass a strong foundation to grow from.
Generally speaking, a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5 to 7 is ideal for lawns; if the pH is too high, your grass won’t be able to properly absorb nutrients. To adjust the pH of your lawn naturally, lime can be added to raise the pH, whilst sulphur can help lower it.
You must also remove any existing vegetation. This can be done with a tiller or by hand. Next, you want to loosen the top layer of soil so that grass roots can easily penetrate it. A rake or hoe will do the trick. Finally, you want to level out the area as best as possible. This will ensure your lawn has a nice, even surface, which is not only aesthetically pleasing, but makes drainage easier.
Choose The Right Type Of Grass For Your Climate & Soil
There are many types of grass, and not all of them will necessarily thrive in every climate. It’s sensible to consult your local nursery or garden centre for detailed information on which types of grass lawn to grow and where, as only some will thrive particularly well in your local area. This will ensure you have a healthy lawn that can withstand the unique conditions of your garden.
When ready to plant, be sure to do it in the mid spring or early autumn. These are the best times for grass seed germination, as the soil is moist but not soaking, and it’s neither too cold nor too hot. You certainly want to avoid sowing your seeds any earlier than mid spring or later than early autumn, as frost may be present on the ground.
Water Regularly
Watering your lawn will help the grassroots grow deep and strong. The amount of water your lawn needs will depend on several factors including the type of grass, the climate, and the time of year.
In the first six to eight weeks after initial sowing, it’s recommended you water your lawn once a day, to around an inch deep.
In general, when your lawn is established, it’ll need around an inch of water about once a week. But you may need to water more often during hot, dry periods, though do be aware that, right now, there’s a hosepipe ban in place for much of England.
Of course, during more rainy times of year, the opposite will be true. Check the weather forecast before you water, so you don’t accidentally overdo it in combination with a downpour. It’s best to water your garden at cooler times of day, such as the morning or early evening, as this allows the water to penetrate soil and reach roots before a warm temperature (yep, even in England) causes evaporation.
Read: Water saving tips for your garden
Aerate Your Lawn Every Few Years
Aerating your lawn is vital to keep the soil healthy. This process involves making small holes in the soil to improve drainage and allow air and nutrients to reach the roots. Aeration also helps break up compacted soil so the roots can grow more easily. You should aerate your lawn every one to two years.
Aerating is best done in the autumn, before the first frost. This is because the soil is softer and easier to penetrate at this time. The process involves spiking the surface of your lawn either using a rake or a dedicated aerator to allow air, nutrients and water to flow freely among your soil. Aeration is the ideal treatment to prepare your lawn for potential extreme weather conditions in the winter.
Remove Any Debris From Your Lawn
It’s essential to keep your lawn free of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and branches, so the grass can grow properly. The most efficient way way to do this is to use a leaf blower, though you can also use a mulching mower to chop up the debris and turn it into fertiliser for your lawn, too.
Be sure to dispose of the debris properly, so it doesn’t end up in a landfill. You can compost it or use it as mulch in your garden.
Read: How to make your garden more eco-friendly
Mow Your Lawn At The Right Height
Mowing your lawn to the correct height (or ‘grade’ if we’re comparing this thing to haircuts) is vital to keeping it healthy. It’s best not to cut the grass too short as this can damage the roots and make the grass more susceptible to drought and pests.
The general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the blade at a time, with the ideal height for most types of grass being between two and three inches. But be sure to check the recommended height for the type of grass you’re growing. Taller types of grass, such as fescue, should be mowed at three to four inches, for instance.
Be sure to use a sharp mower blade, so you don’t rip or tear the grass blades. This can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. It’s also recommended that you mow in different directions so you don’t compact the soil. This will help your lawn breathe and prevent problems like puddling.
The Bottom Line
Status symbol secured and lawn looking pristine, we can’t wait for our invite over to your next garden party…
So, can we expect it in the post?