Preparing your lawn for winter in four steps
Miscellaneous / / October 20, 2023
You are four steps away from a lush green carpet next spring.
1. Comb the lawn
Try to periodically remove fallen leaves, branches, grass clippings and other debris from the lawn. It is important that the green coating is left as “clean” as possible during the winter. Excess vegetation can rot, which contributes to damping off of the lawn, impairs the access of oxygen to the roots of the grass, and also provokes the development of fungal diseases in garden and vegetable garden.
Fan rakes or special ones for lawn cleaning are best suited for combing. Unlike conventional ones, such tools will not injure the roots of vegetation.
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Lawn rake. Frame: Hirsad TV / YouTube
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Fan rake. Frame: Hirsad TV / YouTube
2. Mow the lawn
Too tall grass will fall down with the onset of serious cold weather and in the future will prevent new shoots from emerging. The last one mowing the lawn should be carried out approximately two weeks before the onset of stable frosts. Don't make the cover too short, otherwise it will freeze. The optimal height of grass for wintering is between 5–8 cm, so set the lawn mower to the appropriate level.
Do not rush to throw away or send to compost mown grass. It can be used for mulching beds and flower beds. The protective layer will help retain moisture in the soil and protect plant roots from freezing.
3. Provide oxygen to grass roots
Wait for dry weather and carry out the so-called aeration of the lawn so that the root system receives more oxygen and moisture. To do this, take a garden fork and pierce the grass, driving the tool into the ground to a depth of 15–20 cm. The distance between the punctures should be about 20–30 cm.
Instead of a pitchfork, you can use a convenient device - an aerator, which will significantly speed up the procedure. It is a roller with spikes that needs to be driven through the grass like a lawn mower. By the way, it is not necessary to buy such a machine. Often, garden equipment can be rented from specialized centers.
After aeration, try not to walk on the lawn for 2-3 days.
4. Feed the lawn
Grass, like other plants, could use additional nutrition for a comfortable winter. Should not be used autumn fertilizer with nitrogen content. Because of this element, the lawn will grow actively and runs the risk of not surviving the cold well. Try to fertilize 2-3 weeks before the arrival of stable frosts.
Pay attention to mixtures with phosphorus and potassium: they will help the grass strengthen its root system. You can choose special formulations for autumn feeding of lawns, which are sold in the form of liquid or granules. The application rate and method of application will vary depending on the type of fertilizer and manufacturer, so read the instructions carefully.
Other fertilizers you can use:
- superphosphate (50–70 g per 1 m²);
- potassium magnesia (30–60 g per 1 m²);
- potassium salt (30–40 g per 1 m²);
- potassium sulfate (20–30 g per 1 m²).
Choose any of the products and try to spread the granules evenly over the surface of the lawn. Put on gloves first to protect your hands.
Another option is to use a seeder-spreader, which is used to plant grass seeds. Find out the area of the lawn, pour the required amount of fertilizer into the device and distribute the substance over the surface of the earth, moving “snake” across the area.
The main thing is not to exceed the dose of fertilizers, so as not to overfeed and burn the grass. After applying nutrients, moisten the lawn using the automatic irrigation systems, hose or watering can with a diffuser nozzle.
Take care of your area🍁🍂🥀
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