Professional garden care calendar UK – important month-to-month upkeep to make sure the healthiest grass doable
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Lawns don’t come with out pretty substantial upkeep. However performing the proper garden care jobs can assist strengthen grass and increase its capacity to deal with the climate shifts over the course of a yr.
This garden care calendar breaks down precisely what duties needs to be carried out all year long and when to make it simpler to maintain monitor of those jobs.
Beginning in January proper the way in which to the tip of December, garden care consultants have shared what jobs to do and when.
January garden care jobs
January is the least busy month in your garden care calendar. It is a darkish and chilly month for essentially the most half and the garden might be in a really gradual development part.
- Defend the grass: Graham Smith MCIHort, a gardening skilled from LBS Horticulture advises that in this month, it’s best to keep away from strolling in your garden, as strolling over frosty grass may cause compaction. “The grass blades can turn into bruised, which permits frost in and turns them brown,” he says.
- Verify for moss: Garden care skilled Julie Blades, International Product Supervisor for Flymo provides that you would be able to test for moss development and apply iron sulfate if wanted to maintain it below management.
- Prep your instruments: “It’s also possible to take the chance in January to wash and sharpen your gardening tools to make sure they’re prepared for the months forward,” says Julie.
- Plan your garden care: Because the yr winds down, Amanda Kincaid, STIGA UK suggests now is an effective time to take a second to replicate in your garden care routine. “Think about what went properly and what could possibly be improved within the upcoming yr. Making notes and planning forward now will set you up for achievement when spring arrives, and you will have a head begin in attaining a more healthy garden subsequent season,” says Amanda.
The sharp edges of this scarifying rake might be perfect for eradicating moss and thatch manually.
Hardys Hole Tine Garden Aerator
This guide aerator is heavy obligation however simple to make use of with a big foot plate permitting stress to be positioned on the grass.
Problem 31cm Corded Rotary Lawnmower – 1000w
Common mowing is a vital a part of garden upkeep. This fairly priced mannequin might be perfect for small to medium gardens.
Amanda Kincaid
Amanda Kincaid has been the Advertising Supervisor for STIGA Ltd within the UK for over 9 years.
February garden care jobs
Although a chilly and gloomy month, indicators of spring is perhaps edging in. Longer days and random days of sunshine and heat temperatures you might even discover that your garden is beginning to decide up. Do not soar the gun nevertheless, it isn’t time to get caught in simply but.
- Regulate issues: Assess the situation of your garden by gently strolling throughout it, paying shut consideration to waterlogging and compaction points. Graham Smith MCIHort factors out: “In case your garden feels mushy and spongy underfoot, then this implies that there’s moss and thatch that can should be handled in spring.”
- Frivolously aerate: If the climate is delicate, Juliet Blades suggests you possibly can calmly aerate a garden to enhance drainage. “You are able to do this by making air holes to create air flow. In small lawns, a easy backyard fork can be utilized to push holes into the bottom,” she says.
- Clear particles: If the climate is okay and also you’re eager for an out of doors job Amanda Kincaid suggests clearing leaves and particles out of your garden. “These small duties stop illness and preserve your garden in good situation. Skilled groundskeepers do it for a cause—prevention is all the time higher than remedy,” she says.
- Service your lawnmower: “Ensure your mower is as much as the duty! Sharpen the blades, lubricate shifting elements, and tighten any free parts so it’s in prime form for the season forward,” says Amanda.
March garden care jobs
Now could be the time within the garden care calendar once you’ll discover some development taking place in your backyard. The climate will not be good, however within the UK that is one thing we’re accustomed to always of the yr. So it is vital to regulate the forecast in case of any late frosts on the horizon which may scupper your garden care plans.
- Scarify: “Scarification tackles the buildup of useless natural matter close to the soil, which may suffocate wholesome development. Whereas a bit thatch is helpful, an excessive amount of could be dangerous. Scarifying a garden thins out extra thatch, permitting air, mild, and vitamins to succeed in the decrease elements of the grass, encouraging contemporary, vigorous development,” says Amanda Kincaid.
- Aerate: You could have already carried out your aeration in February, if not Amanda advises: “Hole-tine aeration improves airflow, drainage, and root well being. Should you plan to aerate and scarify, aerate first so that you don’t have to fret about filling the holes afterwards (until you employ a cylinder mower, during which case a prime dressing will assist clean the floor).”
- Make your first lower: It is best to attend till the tip of the month when common temperatures keep above 8C. “Set the blades excessive to keep away from stressing the garden,” says Julie Blades. If the soil is waterlogged then delay till later in order to not injury your garden.
April garden care jobs
April garden jobs are much like these in March. Numerous these jobs are finest completed in Spring so this month you get the prospect to carry out them if you have not completed them in March. April additionally brings the heat wanted for seeding and turfing.
- Scarify: Should you haven’t scarified or aerated but, don’t fear as April continues to be a good time, and in some methods, it’s even higher. “If we’re getting spring rain, scarifying turns into much less traumatic for the grass, as pure moisture helps it get well with out counting on synthetic watering,” says Amanda Kincaid.
- Aerate: For finest outcomes, aerate first in order that once you scarify, loosened soil is returned to the garden. Wholesome soil is filled with vitamins and microbes, so protecting it in place advantages your grass whereas saving you further work.
- Lay turf: Thinning or broken areas? Now’s the right time to reseed or lay new turf. Turf could be put in nearly any time of yr, however spring rain makes watering a lot simpler.
- Sow grass seed: Should you’ve aerated and scarified, overseeding is straightforward – simply rake off any particles, unfold the seed, and gently rake it in. This acts as a pure prime dressing, enhancing seed-to-soil contact and boosting germination. Think about clover garden advantages and use a clover grass seed combine for patches.
- Garden feed: The recommendation on whether or not it’s a necessity to fertilise a garden is combined. Should you do determine to feed, the Garden Affiliation recommends fertilisers which can enhance the well being of the soil and never encourage your grass to develop like TrueGrass Garden Fertiliser and Soil Conditioner all-in-one at Amazon which is produced from recycled meals waste.
Could garden care jobs
Your garden ought to now be in full development mode so common mowing might be your primary job for this month. Notably in case you have aerated your compacted soil and scarified any thatch build-up in earlier months.
- Mow commonly: “As soon as per week is okay, however mowing twice per week—eradicating smaller quantities every time – encourages denser, more healthy development with out including a lot further effort. Alternating instructions once you mow prevents the grass from leaning in a single course and helps keep a good floor,” says Amanda.
- Preserve your lawnmower: Sharp blades make a distinction to the standard of your lower so sustaining sharp blades is essential. Amanda recommends protecting a spare blade useful which makes it simple to swap out and sharpen the uninteresting one later. “Grass buildup below the mower may also have an effect on efficiency and depart clumps in your garden. Cleansing it after each use retains it working effectively,” Amanda provides.
- Look out for weeds: Chemical weed killers can have an effect on the well being of your soil, so the advisable method is normally to make use of a weed device just like the Spear & Jackson 4854WP Mechanical Weed Puller at Amazon to focus on weeds and pull them up by the foundation.
- Edge your garden: An important job for immediately enhancing the looks of your garden. Utilizing a pointy edging device like this Heavy Obligation Edging Knife at Amazon, to neaten off the sides will smarten up the look of your complete backyard.
- Regulate new seed: Should you’ve overseeded patches of grass watch out to keep away from mowing these areas because the seed will want extra time to determine correctly. You should not must water a lot in Could nevertheless it is crucial that new seeds not be allowed to dry out.
- Add horticultural sand: A sprinkling of specifically formulated sand on lawns like Westland Horticultural Sand at B&Q which may enhance garden drainage and help development.
June garden care jobs
“June generally is a little bit of a tough month for garden care,” says Amanda Kincaid. “Whereas the sunny, dry climate invitations us to spend time outside, it additionally requires us to be extra considerate about how we look after our lawns. The temptation to overdo issues is actual, however with just a few precautions, you possibly can preserve your garden wholesome with out inflicting pointless stress.”
- Modify your mowing: “Mowing in scorching circumstances is a standard summer time garden care mistake that may stress the grass, so it’s important to alter your routine a bit,” advises Amanda. “Whereas freshly mowed grass appears to be like nice, it is higher to lift the mowing top throughout the summer time. This may permit the grass to kind a protecting cover, serving to preserve the soil cooler and stopping it from drying out too shortly.”
- Use warning with weed management: “Heat climate hastens the consequences of herbicides, and overusing them can injury your garden,” warns Amanda. Should you should, apply herbicides within the early morning earlier than the solar heats up. This provides the herbicide an opportunity to penetrate and do away with weeds on grass with out harming it,” she provides.
- Garden feed: “This is a perfect month to offer your garden its early summer time feed,” says Fiona Jenkins, gardening skilled at MyJobQuote. Strive including a bit further nourishment like Elixir Gardens Spring & Summer season granular garden fertiliser at Amazon.
- Watering: “Additionally it is very important to now turn into extra conscious of rainfall and temperatures as throughout a scorching, dry summer time it could be essential to water your garden a few times per week,” says Fiona. For how lengthy to spend watering a garden deep and fewer frequent waters are extra affective than quick bursts.
July garden care jobs
It may be tempting to over-treat your garden and panic once you spot dry patches showing in excessive summer time. That is solely to be anticipated in durations of heat climate and generally letting grass expertise tough durations with out coddling it will probably make it extra resilient.
- Watering: It is not important to water grass. Experiencing durations of drought could be useful because it encourages root development. Amanda factors out that even brown grass doesn’t imply your garden is sick; it’s merely the grass’s means of conserving power throughout dry circumstances. Should you really feel you have to water, accomplish that after 8 pm.
- Mowing: Proceed to mow when crucial remembering nevertheless that protecting grass lengthy will assist retain moisture.
- Weeds: “Give your grass a breather and keep away from extreme use of the garden to forestall stress, and proceed spot-treating any persistent weeds earlier than they unfold additional,” says Julie Blades.
August garden care jobs
It is perhaps the summer time vacation season for many and your garden is taking a break too. After the new climate, your grass might be conserving its power till the rain comes. However the consultants counsel just a few jobs that may help your garden in August.
- Watering: “This tends to be one of many hottest months of the yr so, if doable, deeply water the garden with an irrigation system equivalent to a sprinkler. This may evenly water the complete garden and preserve the soil moist and nourishing,” advises Fiona Jenkins.
- Weeds: “Weeds should still be a priority, but when your grass is thick and wholesome, this needs to be minimal. Use cautious spot therapies to deal with any weeds that do pop up,” says Amanda Kincaid.
- Plan for Autumn: Amanda suggests you employ the downtime this month to make a listing of duties for autumn garden care and the winter months. “Pre-order any tools you may want, equivalent to a scarifier and hollow-tine aerator for September. Fill up on autumn and winter feeds, and clear area in your compost heap for these autumn grass clippings,” says Amanda.
- Feeding: “Should you’d like, you possibly can apply an early autumn feed to offer the garden a bit increase. Natural feeds are nice as a result of they’ll keep on the garden till rain arrives. Nevertheless, you’ll nonetheless must water them in, so test the climate forecast for when rain is predicted. Should you’re in a drought space, it is higher to carry off till September,” advises Amanda.
September garden care jobs
After the warmth of the summer time months, we start to maneuver right into a interval the place lawns could be repaired so they’re in tip-top form for winter.
- Scarify: “After a summer time of development, your garden might have collected a layer of thatch. September is the best time to cope with this build-up by scarifying,” Amanda Kincaid says. “This course of permits air, water, and vitamins to succeed in the soil, making certain your garden will bounce again stronger within the spring,” she says.
- Aeration: Doing this in September helps break up compacted soil and improves drainage, permitting water and vitamins to succeed in the grass roots extra successfully. “Hole-tine aeration is especially useful, because it removes soil cores and creates more room for air and moisture to get to the roots,” advises Amanda.
- Deal with moss: Amanda’s recommendation is to use moss killer after scarification. “Scarifying first opens up the grass cover, permitting the moss killer to penetrate deeper and goal the roots of the moss. By doing it this manner, you’ll get significantly better outcomes than making use of the moss killer earlier than scarifying,” says Amanda.
- Repair patches: Repair any naked patches which have appeared over the summer time with a bit overseeding or contemporary turf if wanted. That is finest carried out when the warmth of summer time is over, so if temperatures are nonetheless excessive wait till later within the month. Do it after you’ve gotten carried out the roles above for one of the best outcomes.
- Prime dressing: “Prime dressing provides vitamins to the soil and can assist stage out any uneven spots in your garden. Make sure to select a good-quality prime dressing, and apply it sparingly to keep away from smothering the grass,” says Amanda. Strive Hardys 25L Sandy Loam Garden Dressing Prime Soil at Amazon.
October garden care jobs
Winter is creeping ever nearer so your autumn garden care jobs will should be accomplished this month if you have not had the prospect but. It is all about getting your garden in one of the best state doable to outlive the winter months.
- Feed your garden: “In anticipation of winter, begin making use of an autumn garden feed excessive in potassium to boost root energy,” says Juliet Blades. Do not use spring/summer time blends and Amanda Kincaid suggests in search of merchandise containing round 5-10% nitrogen and a better potassium content material to assist your garden address the colder months. Strive Miracle-Gro Autumn Garden Care, Garden Meals & Moss Management at Amazon. “Should you’re reseeding, search for one with added phosphorus to help root development,” she provides.
- Sow seed: That is actually your final probability earlier than winter, to offer the seed sufficient probability to take root earlier than the chilly hits. The moist climate this month might be good for serving to new seeds and turf settle in.
- Preserve mowing: This may preserve your garden trying neat in addition to assist strengthen the grassroots much more for winter.
November garden care jobs
Heavy rain is frequent throughout the autumn months and the impression of the rain can contribute to soil compaction and the unfold of illness,” says Fiona Jenkins. Notably if particles is left to fester in these damp circumstances.
- Final mow: If there isn’t a snow or frost, or durations of prolonged moist climate you possibly can lower grass in winter, and November is the ultimate month earlier than you cease reducing grass over winter. Clear up the clippings after mowing.
- Clear up particles: Fallen leaves generally is a breeding floor for illness in your garden. Take away them commonly to keep away from the unfold of fungal illnesses like fusarium. “This fungus is especially dangerous and may shortly injury your garden,” says Amanda Kincaid.
- Search for pests: Frequent pests at the moment within the garden care calendar embrace chafer grubs and leather-based jackets, attempt to handle any infestations as quickly as doable.
- Aeration: Assist preserve moisture build-up at bay. This may be completed by aeration and strolling throughout your garden to shake off dew. Minimise foot visitors if there’s frost nevertheless.
December garden care jobs
“With the vacation season in full swing, it’s simple to neglect about your garden, however there are nonetheless easy duties you are able to do to make sure it stays wholesome and prepared for the spring. December is a wonderful time to forestall potential issues earlier than they develop,” says Amanda Kincaid.
- Clearing leaves: Proceed to maintain your garden away from fallen leaves. This helps keep good airflow to your grass and retains illness at bay.
- Aerate: With a purpose to stop a build-up of moisture, Amanda Kincaid recommends hole tine aeration, slitting, and spiking as nice methods to assist rainwater penetrate the soil and keep away from waterlogging. “Hole tine aeration is a very simple and efficient methodology for most householders to make use of,” says Amanda. Or why not attempt garden aerator footwear at B&Q.
- Cease moss: “Should you’ve scarified your garden within the autumn, you’ve already given moss a big setback. Now, you should use a moss-killer spray to maintain it from returning. This mild utility will stop moss from reestablishing itself throughout the winter months,” says Amanda.
If the upkeep wanted for protecting a wholesome garden in your backyard is getting an excessive amount of for you there are low-maintenance options to lawns while nonetheless allowign you to have a lush inexperienced area.
Take a look at our gravel backyard concepts for inspiration.
