New house...big lawn!

Hi all

I've recently moved to a house with a fairly big lawn (about 500 sq.m) and I'm determined to get it looking good.

So far I've put down some feed, weed and mosskill and I'm planning to scarify as soon as the moss blackens.

First question is.....my 'bible' (The Lawn Expert) categorically states that you should not scarify in spring as this damages the lawn. "The grass does not produce side shoots at this stage and so scarifying will open up the turf and make it vulnerable to weed invasion". I've read equally compelling statements that a scarfiy in spring is a good thing. I really just want to be sure that I'm not doing any damage so would appreciate thoughts on this. Personally I'm not sure how else I could remove the moss!

Second thing is...I'm keen to feed the lawn throughout the season but I reckon the cost could be a bit of an issue based on what's at my local garden centre. Is it possible to buy things in more industrial quantities and save a bit of money.

All help much appreciated!

Gary

 

Hi and welcome.

I scarify in both the spring and lightly in the autumn, no harm done as long as moss is black and dead and the lawn is activly growing.

As for feed, I never use granular weed and feed as it is not particularly efective and costly.

I recomend you use ALS 15-0-6 slow release. 10 litres is �£32 plus vat and deliv but lasts forever as the diliution rate is low. apply by knapsack. ( This is a trade product so dont bother searching the garden centres!)

ALS tel 01952 641949

Another cheap feed is to apply seaweed dust via a spreader.

 

Thanks for the advice and welcome Paul!

Quick follow up...would you use the Slow Release as an autumn feed as well or do you switch to something with less nitrogen and more potassium?

Gary

 

I've found established turf will withstand regular raking with a spring-tined rake. I raked the lawn several time last summer in my war on moss. The lawn was more moss than grass. Obviously with that much moss the grass was a bit thin, but now most of the moss has been removed the grass has really thickened up.

There is autumn lawn food available, and it helps the grass stay green and healthy through the winter.

As I can't get professional products, unlike Pro-guard I use granular feed and it works perfectly well. I use a spreader to distribute it, and the best way to avoid putting too much in one spot, and scorching the grass is to use a low distribution rate; go over the lawn several times in different directions until the required total addition has been made. I avoid the weed and feed. Regular raking is a good way to get gradually get rid of weeds.

 

Quick follow up...would you use the Slow Release as an autumn feed as well or do you switch to something with less nitrogen and more potassium?

Depends, I often apply either iron sulphate and or seaweed depending on the condition of the grass.

iron sulphate will knock any moss on the head whilst toughening and greening the grass without causeing a flush of growth.

 

Hi Beechleaf

Just to let you know ALS don't seem to have a problem selling to Joe Public (i.e. me). I placed an order today (Slow Release, Iron Sulphate, Autumn Feed) and it'll be here on Friday. Maybe there are some chemicals they sell that you need a license for?

Gary

 

Thanks Gary, but ALS? Don't know the name, and Google seems to have failed me.

 

Heres the website although no internet ordering:

http://www.amenity.co.uk/index.htm

Its the herbicides and fungicides that require a NPTC PA1/2 to purchase, Nothing intrinsicly harmfull about fertilizer, its basicly just minerals.

 

Give this a go:

http://www.amenity.co.uk/

 

Thanks both of you for the info on ALS. Looks useful