[Misc] Lawn growing

[Springal]

There are nematodes for leather jackets. We get loads on the allotment and one of my friends used the nematodes with a lot of success.

Might try that. My lawn isn’t on the best soil (was new build 5 years ago) but has been ok, but this year it’s proper buggered. My neighbour has a lawn care service and I asked him to have a look but he said it was knackered. He recommended returfing properly (he didn’t do it so wasn’t try to get business) but it looks a pain & the professional quotes I got said to watch until next March now. Bit sad as although only small was a decent back garden

 

[Moshe Gariani]

There are nematodes for leather jackets. We get loads on the allotment and one of my friends used the nematodes with a lot of success.

I’ve got chafer grubs and nematodes seem to be the answer. At the moment I’m having to use netting to keep fox and crows off.

Does anyone know if I can use nematodes now or do I have to wait until Autumn?

Also, will the grubs attract diggers all Summer or do they go deeper out of reach at some point...?

 

[Billy the Fish]

The weather seems to be warming up a bit now, if I get time I think I'll try and overseed again in the next couple of weeks. I'll remember to get the sprinkler on it this time

 

[Jack Straw]

The weather seems to be warming up a bit now, if I get time I think I'll try and overseed again in the next couple of weeks. I'll remember to get the sprinkler on it this time

If you've seeded previously and none of it germinated, in the next couple of weeks, you may see some green shoots from that seed.

 

[Deleted member 22389]

I get a lot of moss build up in the corner of my lawn and due to the decking it is shaded and never gets any sun.
Just wondering what I should use to first get rid of the moss. I might be able to get some grass seed down here.

 

[zefarelly]

I get a lot of moss build up in the corner of my lawn and due to the decking it is shaded and never gets any sun.
Just wondering what I should use to first get rid of the moss. I might be able to get some grass seed down here.

A mirror?

We had a similar bald patch . . . We removed a small tree, boom, grass!

 

[Jack Straw]

I get a lot of moss build up in the corner of my lawn and due to the decking it is shaded and never gets any sun.
Just wondering what I should use to first get rid of the moss. I might be able to get some grass seed down here.

Using a lawn-rake, rake as much moss out as you can. Lightly fork over the area to a depth of 4". Lightly tread down what you've just fluffed up and rake it with a garden rake to get it level and produce a nice fine tilth (the size of the soil particles), ready for sowing. Sow a shade-tolerant grass mix such as this;
https://www.agrigem.co.uk/shade-tol...he2LJK6XzgsCqod_1fh2x1jXhjoECTvxoCfa8QAvD_BwE
Rake the seed in to bury it a little. Lightly water, but copiously. Stop before it puddles.
The advice about removing the shade is spot-on. If you can't remove completely the offending shade provider, could you thin it out?

 

[Deleted member 22389]

Using a lawn-rake, rake as much moss out as you can. Lightly fork over the area to a depth of 4". Lightly tread down what you've just fluffed up and rake it with a garden rake to get it level and produce a nice fine tilth (the size of the soil particles), ready for sowing. Sow a shade-tolerant grass mix such as this;
https://www.agrigem.co.uk/shade-tol...he2LJK6XzgsCqod_1fh2x1jXhjoECTvxoCfa8QAvD_BwE
Rake the seed in to bury it a little. Lightly water, but copiously. Stop before it puddles.
The advice about removing the shade is spot-on. If you can't remove completely the offending shade provider, could you thin it out?

Thanks for the excellent advice. I will do what you suggested and get back to you. I have tried grass seed in the past, worked a little but the moss always comes back.

 

[Jack Straw]

Thanks for the excellent advice. I will do what you suggested and get back to you. I have tried grass seed in the past, worked a little but the moss always comes back.

You're welcome. When you do the digging over bit, you're bound to come across loads of roots. Dig them out.
On both this week's Beechgrove and Gardener's World, there is a bit about grass seed sowing. You could use the iplayer, whizz through to the relevant bit and see how it's done.

 

[Billy the Fish]

If you've seeded previously and none of it germinated, in the next couple of weeks, you may see some green shoots from that seed.

It did germinate as I saw some shoots but must've died through lack of water.

As it happens it might've done me a favour. The lawn is looking much much better now we've had some rain, I might ended up overcrowded with the seed I put down!

I gave it a feed with miracle grow granules a couple of weeks ago and it's now a nice dark green. I'm also mowing a bit higher now, first cut was 50mm and did the second yesterday at 40mm. I was planning to go to 30mm but don't think I'll bother. It looks good as it is and with regular mowing and feeding I should have some nice healthy plants.There's still the odd patchy bit so going to do a targeted overseed today or tomorrow.

I've been watching some of this guys videos, he reminds me a bit of Dale Stephens! His methods are more in line with the amateur gardener, some of the lawn channels focus on the professional kit that were haven't got. This is a very good summary of the last couple of months.

https://youtu.be/Uot_LjYBdWI

 

[LamieRobertson]

Weathers not great for outdoor leisure ..beer gardens etc....but after three consecutive dry Mays, lawns are happier this time round

 

[East Staffs Gull]

I’ve not read the whole thread, so it may have been mentioned before, but I’d thoroughly recommend a book called The Lawn Expert
by D. G. Hessayon.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

Really helpful and enjoyable thread. After a bit of turfing to fill up the MASSIVE borders we had, our lawn is a bit of a work in progress. First cut of the new stuff last weekend and some lawn feed for the older, patchier bits but needs a bit more TLC in the days and weeks ahead.

 

[banjo]

Looking lush atm.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Weathers not great for outdoor leisure ..beer gardens etc....but after three consecutive dry Mays, lawns are happier this time round

What is your recommended cutting length on a 2 month old laid lawn? Currently I'm on the mower's highest setting which is about 3" I reckon. Cutting about every 5-7 days. Feeding with a bit of soluble miracle gro monthly.

Due to kids and dog, outside edges of the lawn going great guns lush and green - middle bits look a bit like a centre circle on Victoria Park.

 

[LamieRobertson]

What is your recommended cutting length on a 2 month old laid lawn? Currently I'm on the mower's highest setting which is about 3" I reckon. Cutting about every 5-7 days. Feeding with a bit of soluble miracle gro monthly.

Due to kids and dog, outside edges of the lawn going great guns lush and green - middle bits look a bit like a centre circle on Victoria Park.

Lol....judging by what you are saying I’d carry on as you are....not sure I’d worry about feeding at this stage for new grass...maybe during summer when u start lowering the deck and/if dry....I’d consider getting rid of the kids and dog...priorities

Jack might have other suggestions....like keeping the dog

 

[Iggle Piggle]

It did germinate as I saw some shoots but must've died through lack of water.

As it happens it might've done me a favour. The lawn is looking much much better now we've had some rain, I might ended up overcrowded with the seed I put down!

I gave it a feed with miracle grow granules a couple of weeks ago and it's now a nice dark green. I'm also mowing a bit higher now, first cut was 50mm and did the second yesterday at 40mm. I was planning to go to 30mm but don't think I'll bother. It looks good as it is and with regular mowing and feeding I should have some nice healthy plants.There's still the odd patchy bit so going to do a targeted overseed today or tomorrow.

I've been watching some of this guys videos, he reminds me a bit of Dale Stephens! His methods are more in line with the amateur gardener, some of the lawn channels focus on the professional kit that were haven't got. This is a very good summary of the last couple of months.

https://youtu.be/Uot_LjYBdWI

At what point in my life did I find it acceptable to watch this video instead of the UEFA cup final? I'll be starting threads about wills and funerals before you know it. If I was my wife, I'd have an affair.

 

[Jack Straw]

Lol....judging by what you are saying I’d carry on as you are....not sure I’d worry about feeding at this stage for new grass...maybe during summer when u start lowering the deck and/if dry....I’d consider getting rid of the kids and dog...priorities

Jack might have other suggestions....like keeping the dog

The only dogs I've got any time for are hotdogs! Too many bad experiences with Barkers' Eggs whilst gardening in Brighton's parks!!

 

[Arthur]

That’s happened to me and mates so many times. Many failures.

The key is a big watering a couple of days beforehand, never seed in heatwaves or droughts, a gentle watering once seeded after a couple of days if there are no decent amounts of rain, and again.

Second time was the charm for me. Followed your advice and covered it this time with mesh so didn't become bird food.



Going to give its first mow over the weekend. Any tips from anyone other than don't cut it too short?

 

[The Oldman]

Make sure your blade(s) is/ are sharp