Winter has left a mark on most gardens this year, especially with the wet start to the year we have had. But as the weather warms, the sun shines, and the soil warms up, spring is the best time for brilliant lawn rescue missions. A few hours of work now means you’ll have a beautiful lawn come summer. The team at British Garden Centres has put together this essential guide to spring lawncare and what you can do now to revive it.
Your spring lawncare checklist
Mowing: Once things start growing again in March, it’s time to get the mower out. But don’t just scalp it short, make sure you set your mower blades to around 2.5cm high, as this encourages the grass to spread and thicken up. Also, it is important that you only cut about a third of the grass blade off each time, because if you cut it too short, this will stress the grass blades. Before you mow, check that your blades are sharp, as blunt ones will tear the grass, which weakens it and makes it susceptible to disease.
Raking After your first couple of cuts, look down at your lawn, and if you see a thick, matted layer of dead grass and moss, that’s thatch. Thatch is a blanket stopping water and air from getting to the soil, but it is easily fixable. For small areas, a spring-tined rake will get the thatch and moss out of your lawn. Bigger lawns might need a scarifier (they’re worth hiring if you don’t have one) and clearing it will allow your grass to actually breathe again.
Aerating: Walk around your garden, and you’ll probably spot worn paths and areas where water has puddled. This is a result of the soil being compacted, so it is rock hard and suffocating and needs loosening up. Grab a garden fork and puncture holes about 15cm deep or buy/hire an aerator if you’ve got a bigger lawn. By making holes in your lawn, you are allowing it to breathe again. Fill those holes with a topdressing mix, and it will transform drainage and let the roots spread.
Seeding: There are so many different types of grass seed on the market, so match it to what you actually need. If you have children, pets, or a lot of foot traffic, look for a tough, hardwearing blend that bounces back from wear.
Most grass struggles under trees and walls, so if your garden is in a lot of shade, look for shade-tolerant varieties that will grow there.
To apply grass seed, spike the surface of your lawn, rake it level, scatter your seed, press it in gently and keep it damp. You’ll see green shoots within a week or so, but we advise not to walk on the seeded patches until growth has appeared.
Lawncare timing: Early spring lawn care is all about timing, so don’t be tempted to work on waterlogged soil; that’s half the battle won before you even start. Wait for a dry spell after rain so you’re not compacting the ground before growth begins. For those in the north or wetter regions, prioritise aeration as soon as conditions allow. It gives the roots the breathing space they need after the winter. Further south, where the climate is typically milder, moss is usually the main concern, so focus your efforts there.
It’s also worth testing your soil early on. Most garden centres sell quick kits that take just a few minutes to use. Ideally, you’re looking for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If it’s outside that range, you can adjust it later, but at least you’ll know where you stand before the season gets underway.
Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “Spring is the prime time to start your lawn care for the year. Whether you need advice on what seed to buy, tools you need, or just want to chat through whether your soil needs aerating, pop into your local centre. Most staff have gardens of their own and aren’t afraid to share what’s worked for them, and you’ll have a lush green lawn in no time.”
Visit your nearest British Garden Centre to explore our full range of lawncare products or shop online at www.britishgardencentres.com
British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 78 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by the Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.
BGC was launched in 1990 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018, it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres, allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now, with 78 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.
The group has a team of over 3,500 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.
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