What To Do Now - Autumn Lawn Care

In this episode of the BBC Gardeners World Magazine Podcast, host Catherine Mansley discusses essential steps for lawn care during autumn to maintain a healthy lawn throughout the winter and prepare for flourishing growth in spring. Fallen leaves should be regularly removed since they can block light and trap moisture, leading to bare patches and disease. A weekly raking is suggested. The leaves can be composted to create leaf mould, a beneficial soil conditioner.

Mansley advises against putting the lawnmower away too soon since grass can still grow slowly in October and November. Mowing should continue with a higher cutting height to avoid scalp damage to the grass. She also recommends edging the lawn cleanly using a half-moon edging tool or a spade. Moss treatments and scarifying, which involve raking out dead grass and debris, can help improve the health of a lawn that has accumulated too much thatch. Aeration through spiking the soil is encouraged to relieve compaction and promote better air and nutrient access to roots.

Additionally, autumn is an ideal time to feed the lawn, using a specialized autumn feed low in nitrogen but higher in potassium to bolster toughness against winter conditions. Overseeding any bare patches in the lawn is also beneficial since the soil remains warm enough for germination. Lastly, it’s advised to avoid walking on the lawn during cold or wet conditions to prevent damage.