Hello Spring, Hello Gorgeous Lawn! Your Guide to a Perfect Patch

Hello Spring, Hello Gorgeous Lawn! Your Guide to a Perfect Patch

Spring has sprung, and with the warmer weather and longer days comes the exciting prospect of a vibrant, healthy lawn. After a long winter, your green space might be looking a little tired, but April is the perfect time to give it some much-needed TLC and set the stage for a summer of outdoor enjoyment.

Whether you're dreaming of a classic bowling green or a more relaxed, wildlife-friendly haven, this guide has got you covered. We'll walk you through essential lawn care tasks for April and even delve into the secrets of sowing new grass for that picture-perfect finish. So, dust off your gardening gloves, and let's get started!

Lawn Care: Awakening Your Green Space

As the grass starts to wake up, here are some key tasks to tackle this month:

1. Mowing Matters: Finding the Right Cut

Your mowing regime depends on the kind of lawn you're aiming for:

• For a Wildlife-Friendly Lawn: Embrace a more natural look! Mow less often and keep your mower blades on a higher setting. This allows low-growing wildflowers like self-heal, buttercups, and clover to flourish, providing vital pollen for bees and other pollinators. Consider leaving a small area completely unmown as a dedicated wildlife haven.
• For Short Turf: As the grass actively grows, start mowing more regularly. Ensure your mower blades are sharp for a clean cut and avoid mowing when the grass is wet, ideally opting for afternoon mowing to allow dew to dry. Begin with a higher blade setting and gradually lower it as the growing season progresses.

2. Nourishing Your Lawn: The Spring Feed

Give your lawn a post-winter boost with a proprietary spring lawn feed. These are specially formulated with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to encourage strong, healthy growth, helping your grass outcompete weeds and moss.

3. Banishing Unwanted Guests: Dealing with Weeds

As the grass grows, so do the weeds! Tackle early appearances of dandelions and docks by digging them out by hand, using specialized tools for tap-rooted weeds. If the weed invasion is significant, hold off until next month to apply a lawn weedkiller, waiting at least two weeks after feeding your lawn.

4. Conquering Moss: Rake it Out!

Combat moss by vigorously raking your lawn with a spring tine rake. For stubborn moss, you can use a moss killer (always follow the manufacturer's instructions) and then rake out the dead moss. Remember, dead moss decomposes slowly, so it's best not to add it to your compost heap. For a longer-term solution, consider an iron-rich feed like MossTop to weaken the moss. Once blackened, scarify the lawn to remove it and any thatch build-up.

5. Repair and Renewal: Fixing Bare Patches

If winter has left its mark with bare patches, now is the ideal time to address them. Lightly fork over the affected soil, rake it to create a fine surface, and then overseed with a high-quality seed like Premier Landscape and Lawn. Lightly rake the seed in and consider netting the area to deter hungry birds. Water gently if there's no rain.

6. The Importance of Regular Maintenance:

Get into a good routine! Keep an eye out for weeds and spot-treat them. Ensure your mower is in good working order with regular maintenance.

How to Sow Grass Seeds for the Perfect Lawn

Dreaming of a brand new, lush lawn? April offers excellent conditions for sowing grass seed. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Tools You'll Need:

• Garden Fork: For breaking up the soil.
• Rake: To create a level surface with a fine, crumbly texture.
• Grass Seed: Choose the right type for your needs (more on this below!).
• Spreader (optional): For even seed distribution over larger areas.
• Watering Can with a Fine Rose or Sprinkler: For gentle watering.
• Netting or Horticultural Fleece (optional): To protect seeds from birds.

Steps to Sowing Success:

1. Prepare the Soil: Clear the area of any existing weeds, stones, and debris. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches.
2. Level the Surface: Use a rake to create a smooth, level surface with a fine tilth (crumbly texture). This ensures even germination.
3. Choose the Right Seed: Don't just grab any bag! Consider your needs:
   • Luxurious Lawn: For a dense, fine-bladed appearance.
   • Shaded Areas: Specially formulated for low-light conditions.
   • Drought Tolerant: For areas prone to dryness.
   • Low Maintenance: Requires less frequent mowing and care. Choosing the right seed upfront can save you time and effort in the long run.
4. Sow the Seed: Follow the seed packet instructions for the correct sowing rate. You can either scatter by hand for smaller areas or use a spreader for larger lawns to ensure even distribution.
5. Lightly Rake In: Gently rake the seed into the topsoil, ensuring it's in good contact with the soil but not buried too deeply.
6. Protect from Birds (Optional): If birds are a problem in your area, cover the newly sown area with netting or horticultural fleece.
7. Water Gently: Water the area thoroughly but gently using a watering can with a fine rose or a sprinkler. Avoid creating puddles or washing away the seeds.
8. Keep it Moist: Continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings are established.
9. First Mow: Once the grass reaches about 2-3 inches in height, you can give it its first light trim, ensuring your mower blades are sharp and set to a high setting.

Spring is crucial for setting the foundation for a healthy and beautiful lawn. By following these tips and putting in a little effort now, you'll be rewarded with a lush green space to enjoy throughout the summer months. So, get out there, embrace the spring, and let your lawn thrive!