Winter lawn care

During the winter when the rest of your garden needs a bit less attention, is a great time to prepare your lawn for the spring and summer. Grass care can be overlooked because it is so hardy, but it is parched for some of the year, drowned for others and trampled on all year round!

Feed it

Your lawn will still grow over the winter, albeit more slowly. Liquid fertiliser will likely bring the fastest results. Put liquid fertiliser in a watering can (or dissolvable pods) and water the lawn with it to provide nutrients. Granulated food needs to be spread lightly and evenly. Take care to handle any fertiliser in a well-ventilated area, using gloves if you have to measure it out.

Grass grows best when the soil is sweet and low in acidity. To encourage optimum soil conditions, spread your lawn with lime a few weeks after fertilising.

Check it

If your lawn has patches of weed that you’d rather not have, there are products available on the market that can simultaneously feed the grass and eliminate weeds. Now is a great time to get on top of  ‘prickles’ like Onehunga weed, or any moss that has thrived in cooler, wetter winter conditions.

Repair it

Re-sow bare areas with fast-germinating grass seed. Ask your garden centre for tips on the best seed for your conditions.

Maintain it

While you don’t have to mow so often, book your mower in for a service and have the blades sharpened. Sharp blades are more efficient and damage the plants less. If you have a period of heavy rain, ensure that your grass has time to drain and dry off before you mow it to avoid damaging the lawn.

A healthy, thriving, emerald lawn is the cornerstone of a beautiful garden. Take some extra care now so it looks it’s best in time for summer!