Lawns

60-second guide: lawns

By Bob Flowerdew

Bob offers tips for organic gardeners on lawn care and weeds

'We all tend to cut too close,' says Bob

Lawns attract wildlife

Both neat and rough lawns attract wildlife – even more so if the grass is mixed with other plants. Clover helps the sward stay green, even in a drought, while chamomile and thyme bring scent and variety.

Create a lawn from scratch

Any area of soil with some moisture and sun will grow grass.

To remove tall nettles, clear the top growth in autumn then cut repeatedly with a robust mower from late winter (when the first weeds emerge), through spring and into summer. I also over-sow with grass seed and add some lime, sand, blood, fish and bone and clover seed.

Vary the height of cut to control weeds

* Late winter to early spring: cut fairly high just to take weeds and tussock grasses off.

* Late spring to early summer: lower the height of cut each week to cut closest during this period when when the grass is growing the most.

* Middle to late summer: as growth slows, raise the height of cut.

* Autumn: now lush growth has resumed, gradually cut closer.

* Winter: reverse the process and raise the height to maximum again. Replace or resharpen mower blades to get the best performance.

Cut often and higher

Keep lawns and grassed areas greener and more weed-free for longer by cutting weekly all year round (except in drought and frost) with the mower set to cut higher – just a fingernail’s length higher – we all tend to cut too close. Short grass stunts the roots, lets in weeds (especially daisies and mosses) and makes the sward dry out quickly in drought.

Thyme thrives in dry spells

Use lawn clippings

Spring and autumn are good times to return clippings to the lawn to feed the worms. When grass is most lush in high summer, however, use clippings to mulch crops, shrubs, trees and roses. A thin mulch of grass clippings is especially good around soft fruit, potatoes and sweetcorn.

Recommended grass mixes

Use a wide grass mix of tough, shade and poor-condition varieties. Over-sow regularly with more of the same. Use cheap mixtures for recreational and heavy-use areas, and shady sites. With continuous cutting, the most enduring species will remain. Bowling-green lawn mixes require immense effort to nurture them.

* Adapted by Sarah Brocklehurst

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