'I'm a gardener and this is the date to start mowing your lawn'

With spring on the horizon, gardeners across the UK are gearing up to tackle their lawns.

But when exactly should you bring out the lawn mower to ensure lush, healthy grass?

Experts from Fantastic Gardeners have pinpointed mid-March as the ideal time for the first mow of the year.

Mowing isn’t just about keeping your garden looking tidy. It’s crucial for maintaining grass health by preventing weed infestation, improving air circulation and deterring harmful pests like chafer grubs and leatherjackets, which can destroy your lawn by leaving behind brown patches. 

Regular trims also encourage thicker, denser growth by allowing sunlight to penetrate lower leaves and preventing a buildup of dead grass near the roots.

However, timing is key.

Cutting too early during the colder months can harm your lawn, as grass doesn’t grow well in low temperatures. By mid-March, the weather in most parts of the UK has warmed enough to make mowing beneficial.

From then on the experts recommend trimming your grass weekly, but caution against cutting it too short.

They said: “Try to keep your grass’ height the same all throughout spring.

“For most lawns the ideal height would be 2.5-4cm (1-1.5in). However, for those that take a lot of wear and tear, strive to keep their grass raised at around 5cm (2in) in height.

“If a part of your lawn is covered by shade, maintain the grass at a height of 7.5cm (3in).”

When summer arrives, mowing frequency should increase to twice a week. However, during droughts, reduce mowing to once weekly, trimming only a small amount to stimulate healthy growth without stressing the lawn.

By October, as temperatures drop, most gardens can retire the mower for the year. That said, gardeners in regions with milder winters might need to continue mowing sporadically.

To ensure a thriving lawn year-round, remember these tips:

1. Keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
2. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
3. Fertilize your grass during the growing season to supply essential nutrients.
4. Aerate compacted soil to improve drainage and allow roots to breathe.

Following this expert advice will keep your lawn healthy, vibrant, and ready for the warmer months ahead.