Organic lawn care

Spring and summer maintenance

What to do

Ideal growing conditions are vital for organic lawn management. If the grass is flourishing, it should overcome weeds and be more resistant to drought, pests and diseases.

• In early spring, gently rake the grass with a spring-tined rake, taking care not to tear it. This removes winter debris and lifts grass and weed foliage for efficient cutting.
• Bare patches attract weeds, so re-sow them in spring. Fork the soil to break it up, then firm and level it before applying an appropriate grass seed. Cover with fleece or polythene to keep the birds off and water regularly.
• Another method for covering bare patches is to use a strip of lawn from a rich growing area to patch the bare area (you'll need to re-sow the area where it came from). It's always worth re-seeding an area in the shade with a mixture specifically selected to thrive in such sites.

• Mow grass when it's just over 1cm (0.5in) higher than you want it. These mowing heights apply to the following types of lawn: general purpose lawn in spring, autumn or drought, 3cm (1.25in); general purpose lawn in summer, 2.5cm (1in); fine lawn in spring, autumn or drought, 2cm (0.75in); and fine lawn in summer, 1.5cm (0.5in). Avoid scalping the grass because this encourages moss and weakens the grass.
• When you cut the grass during the spring and summer, leave the clippings on the lawn. As they decompose, they release up to 30 per cent of the lawn's required nutrients. Remove the clippings from the lawn at the beginning and end of the growing season when decomposition is slow.
• To discourage perennial weeds, dig them out regularly with a narrow trowel. Encourage clover because it collects nitrogen from the air and releases it from root nodules to the growing grass. To build up clover, oversow with clover seed 'Kent Wild White' during spring, at the rate of 5g per square metre.
• If necessary, feed the lawn in spring or summer with slow-release organic fertilisers. Municipal compost is excellent for this while seaweed extract, applied as a foliar feed, will green up your lawn. Avoid overfeeding as this causes lush growth that's prone to disease.

• To thicken up a poor quality or worn lawn, rake up debris and sow again in April. Cut the grass then rake hard to remove dead moss and debris. Sow seed over the existing grass, around 25g per square metre. Rake gently, then roll the lawn. Apply an organic fertiliser and water in well. When the grass is 5cm (2in) high, cut again.
• If possible, install a proper path or stepping stones to avoid any excessive wear and tear. Keep off the lawn in winter when it's wet and frosty.

Autumn and winter maintenance

What to do

Compaction, poor drainage, acidity, shade, too close mowing, underfeeding and drought can all encourage moss to take over. Maintaining the lawn in autumn will help to treat this problem and will give the lawn a head start in spring.

• To remove dead growth or thatch from a lawn, use a spring-tined rake or a powered scarifier, which you can hire. The process of scarifying will stimulate the grass to produce runners and side shoots, which will thicken up the lawn. The growth and thatch removed can be added to the compost heap.

• Aerate the soil at least once every three years, especially in September when the soil is moist. Do this by making holes in the soil, either with a fork or a hollow-tined fork, which removes a plug of soil. This will allow water to drain from the surface of the lawn and prevent the growth of moss.

• After scarifying and aerating, spread a thin top-dressing of bulky organic material over the lawn. This gradually improves soil structure. The top-dressing mixture for a heavy soil comprises one part leaf-mould or coir, two parts loam and four parts sand. For a medium soil the ratio is 1:4:2 and a sandy soil, 2:4:1. Evenly spread the mixture at around 1.6kg per square metre and work it well into the surface with a broom or rake.

• An alternative to top-dressing is to spread a thin layer of autumn leaves over the lawn and mow them well, with the grass box off the lawnmower. Two cuts may be needed.
• If you need a new lawnmower, you could consider buying a mulching mower. This chops grass cuttings finely, then distributes them down into the lawn, where they rapidly disappear.