Winter can be a deadly time for lawns but experts have identified five techniques to ensure grass not only survives but thrives following the cold snap.
Experts at Gardeningexpress.com have counteracted the problem by creating a list of methods to help prompt and ultimately increase grass growth in the lead up to Spring.
Gardeners are being advised to kill any weeds or poor-looking grass at least two weeks before the growing process to ensure grass can grow without any interference from other plant species.
Cultivating the perfect lawn is surprisingly simple and only requires gardeners to complete a few simple but effective steps. Many people have perceptions that growing grass is extremely arduous and time consuming – this is simply not the case.
The key is in the preparation and the nurturing, making sure to continuously water the developing seeds is particularly important.
Gardeners should always use a hard-wearing family lawn mixture containing rye grass to achieve the best results possible.
Here are five ways that you can grow grass quicker:
Timing
Planting seeds at the correct time of year will enhance the speed of grass growth. Seeds are more likely to germinate at a faster rate when sowed in mid-spring. Keep the soil damp by regularly watering the grass and make sure all areas are thoroughly doused. Don’t attempt to grow in summer because it’s unlikely you will be able to give the lawn enough water to prevent it from dying.
Flatten the surface
It’s more challenging for grass to grow on bumpy surfaces and will make your garden look uneven if left untreated. Grab that dusty rake out the garden shed and level out the area until it is all smooth. Firm the soil by walking over it by placing weight on your heels. We encourage gardeners to rake the surface once more after this process for good measure.
Planting
Spread a thin layer of lime, yes that fruit that you put in your cocktail, on the lawn 60 days before seeding. The magnesium in the lime will help the grass grow faster than a snail on steroids. Spread the seed carefully and then lightly rake over the area to cover the seed with a thin layer of dirt. Muddy soil is ideal because the seed will adhere to the dirt and be exposed to instant moisture.
Nurturing
After planting the seed, spread a thin layer of fertilizer across the surface. Proceed to cover the area with hay and lightly penetrate the soil to drive the seed into the ground. This will ensure that all the seeds germinate and will prevent you from having peculiar gaps in your lawn. Once grass begins to appear, fertilize the area again to maximise the yield.
Aftercare
When the grass is finally embracing daylight, stretch fruit netting over the top of it to protect the seeds from opportunistic birds. It is also worth cordoning off the area with string and canes to prevent the kids from trampling on the soil and damaging the grass. Carefully weed the area by hand and ensure you remove any weeds before they begin to flower.
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
