As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, autumn and winter present unique challenges for garden enthusiasts, particularly when it comes to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn. To ensure your garden stays vibrant throughout the colder months, it’s essential to adopt the right lawn care practices. In this Q&A with Gardening Influencer, Tom Strowlger (@garden_with_tom), we delve into expert advice on lawn preparation, edging, tools, and products to help your garden thrive, even in the chillier seasons.
Q: As we transition into autumn and winter, what are the key steps gardeners should take to prepare their lawns for the colder months?
A: The first step is to assess the condition of your lawn, ideally in September or early October. Check for thatch (dead grass beneath the green layer) and any thin or bare patches. This is the perfect time to repair your lawn because the soil is moist and the ground still retains warmth. If your lawn has thatch, you should scarify and aerate. Scarifying involves raking out the thatch, while aerating means creating small holes in the lawn with a garden fork. This allows air to reach the grass roots and reduces compaction. Follow this with over-seeding the lawn to thicken it up, focusing on bare patches with lawn dressing or compost. With the moist and warm soil, you should see germination within one to two weeks.
Q: What’s your top tip for keeping lawns looking healthy when growth slows down over winter? Are there any common mistakes people make during this period?
A: Feeding your lawn with an autumn-specific fertiliser that is high in potassium and phosphate is key to promoting strong roots for winter. Avoid spring and summer fertilisers, as they contain nitrogen, which encourages new growth that won’t survive the colder months. Another important task is to regularly remove fallen leaves, as they can smother the grass and lead to bare patches come spring. Lastly, avoid walking on a frosty lawn as footsteps can damage the grass, leaving behind yellow marks.
Q: For those who missed autumn lawn prep, is there anything that can be done in early winter to maintain lawn health?
A: Even in early winter, you can still aerate your lawn to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can cause grass to die. Additionally, avoid walking on the lawn during frosty or wet conditions to prevent soil compaction.
Lawn Edging and Its Benefits
Q: You’re a big fan of Everedge Lawn Edging. Can you share how this product has helped to shape your garden?
A: Everedge is fantastic for creating neat, formal lawn edges. It’s easy to install and keeps your lawn looking tidy year-round. The instructions are clear, making it accessible even for beginners.
Q: What are some practical tips for installing Everedge Lawn Edging, particularly for gardeners who may be new to it?
A: Preparation is key. Keep your tools – a knee pad, lawn edging tool, rubber mallet, plank of wood, and hand fork – close by as you work along the borders. Properly installed edging helps maintain clean and defined lawn edges throughout the year.
Essential Tools and Products for Autumn and Winter Gardening
Q: What are your go-to tools for autumn and winter lawn care, and why do you find them indispensable?
A: My must-have tools include a garden fork, hand fork, lawn edger, lawn shears, and a rake. These are essential for aerating, scarifying, trimming, and general lawn maintenance.
Seasonal Inspiration and Small Wins
Q: What’s your favourite part of autumn lawn care, and what brings you the most satisfaction in preparing your garden for winter?
A: My favourite task is sowing fresh grass seed. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing the patches of your lawn transform in just a week or two, knowing the garden will be in great shape for late autumn and winter.
Q: Are there any small, quick-win tasks gardeners can do to keep their lawns and borders looking tidy as the weather cools?
A: A quick and effective win is to repair bare patches. Simply sow the seed and cover with a lawn dressing, compost, or topsoil. With temperatures above 5°C, you can even use a winter grass seed for great results.
Personal Insights and Gardening Trends
Q: As a gardening influencer, what do you think is the biggest gardening trend for autumn and winter this year? How can gardeners get involved?
A: Lawn care is a huge trend right now, particularly the focus on repairing thin and bare patches. Gardeners can follow my reels and techniques to join me on the journey towards a garden that’s ready for autumn and winter.
Autumn and winter lawn care doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on key tasks like scarifying, aerating, and feeding with the right nutrients, you can ensure your lawn stays healthy throughout the colder months. Investing in quality tools and products, along with proper edging and planning for spring, will set you up for gardening success. Embrace the changing seasons and take pride in keeping your garden in top shape year-round!
