Lawn Calendar
JANUARY
Keep off the lawn at this time of year except to brush away fallen leaves. Have the mower overhauled.
FEBRUARY
Brush off any worm casts. Do not cut the lawn this month.
MARCH
Lawn maintenance starts this month. Before giving the lawn its first light cut, brush it vigorously to remove surface rubbish. Give it a thorough raking with a spring tine rake so that the grass and weeds are set up to meet the mower blades.
Two light cuts just to ‘tip off’ the grass are sufficient. Trim and neaten the edges of the lawn. If your mower does not have a roller on it, this is the time to give the lawn a roll when the surface is dry. This is a good time for lawn restoration work (see overseeding).
APRIL
Give the lawn its Spring feed and start weed control. Where moss is a problem, apply a moss killer. Mow the lawn weekly, reducing the height of the cut a little, although not below 2cm (1in). Cut out coarse grasses and keep the edges of the lawn trimmed.
MAY
Increase frequency of mowing as necessary, gradually reducing the height of the cut to Summer levels. This is the best month for weed control when the grass is dry but the soil moist. Water thoroughly if drought is apparent.
JUNE
Mowing the lawn twice a week may be necessary if the soil is moist. If on the other hand there is a long dry spell, raise the height of the cut and mow once a week. If weeds remain after initial treatment, repeat the process although not during a long dry spell. Rake the lawn before mowing to keep grass and clover ‘runners’ under control. Keep edges trimmed and water copiously in long dry spells.
JULY
Mow regularly at the Summer cutting height and keep edges trimmed. A Summer ‘tonic’ feed may be applied during any showery spell.
AUGUST
Mow regularly at the Summer cutting height. Rake the lawn once again before mowing to keep runners under control.
SEPTEMBER
Decrease the frequency of mowing and start raising the cutting height. If worm casts appear brush off prior to mowing. If any diseases are spotted, treat with fungicide. Think about spiking and top dressing, or the application of an Autumn feed. This is another good time for any lawn restoration work (see overseeding).
OCTOBER
Regular mowing stops this month, and the cutting height should be raised to a minimum 2cm (1in) for the last cut or two. Also, if spiking and top dressing or Autumn feeding have not already been done, then now is the time. Lawn repairs should also be undertaken this month:- levelling out bumps and hollows, reseeding bare patches, removing coarse grasses, etc. Brush away fallen leaves and worm casts.
NOVEMBER
A topping cut may be necessary, with the blades set high. Brush away leaves and worm casts.
DECEMBER
Apart from brushing away fallen leaves it is best to keep off the lawn.
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