When in Autumn?

Hi,

In the autumn I'm planning on preparing my lawn for next year, so I will:

1. Scarify
2. Aereate
3. Get rid of bumps and hollows
4. Top dress
5. Seed any gaps from the scarify process

I'm down South, so when in Autumn should this be done? Late September or earlier?

Thanks, Nick

 

I wouldn't do it earlier than Late September I don't think

 

Can I ask, why you wouldn't do it before late September?

Will the new seed need time to take before the cold weather moves in?

 

Risk of drought. That will stress any newly germinated seed (or the birds will get it before it has enough water to germinate, etc.)

Also the bumps and hollows you sort out will have the same stress - but in that case its easily fixed with irrigation, although that has time & money [if metered] implications.

But you do need to get the grass established before the winter.

Just checked my book. It says "Early autumn" but I have no idea what month that is :(

(Autumn-sown is better than spring-sown as the spring sown has far more competition from germinating weed see)

 

I agree with Kristen's advice. September is, I believe, one of the driest months - that's why it's good for external decoration, gutter cleaning, etc. Grass seed is pretty vigorous and will get away in early autumn with less risk of being scorched. You can always make a final judgement based on the actual weather we experience when we get there.

Down here in the south, I used to put my lawn mower away in early November "for the winter". Now, I cut the grass several times throughout the winter. It just keeps on growing...

 

"You can always make a final judgement based on the actual weather we experience when we get there."

Today is looking good here !! :(

 

To echo, Late september is perfect for the above, Dont forget to spray moss killer or use lawn sand before you scarify in order to kill the moss.

 

Thanks for the tip - how long should I leave between lawn sand and the scarify process?

 

A couple of days, Basicly as soon as the moss goes black.

Dont forget to water it in lightly if no rain expected or it scortches.

 

Hi Paul,

A friend of mine told me that if I put moss killer down and shortly after I seed the lawn - the moss killer may kill the seeds

Is that correct?

Thanks, Nick

 

Nick

Pro Gard has just left a message that he won't be posting much from now on - which is a great pity.

If lawn sand is applied evenly in the correct amounts and activated fully by rainfall or watering in, it turns the moss black. When you rake the dead moss out, most of any residual chemicals comes with it. I think the risk to any subsequent grass seed planting is small.

 

If I can just jump in here, not a lawn expert by any means.
I was under the impression that the moss killer was iron sulphate, which is not actually a herbiside just something that moss hates.
So unless its in too strong a solution, ie.not watered well in, it should not affect grass growth.

 

Our cricket groundaman always says
'A week in September is worth a month in April'

and you know what cricket groundsman are! They would take the cricket square to bed with them if they could get through the bedroom door!