Gardeners across the UK can mow their lawns for the last time before winter as late as December 8, according to new data from Gardeners Dream. The gardening retailer analysed AccuWeather data to pinpoint when temperatures are expected to drop consistently below 7 degrees Celsius.
Regional Dates for the Final Cut
For those living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the weather is predicted not to drop to seven degrees or below until around December 8. However, for those in Scotland, the last chance is a little earlier, with December 4 being the date the weather is expected to reach that threshold.
Co-founder and in-house gardening expert Craig Wilson shared his advice on when to perform the final mow of the year. "You want to mow your lawn before the temperature begins to drop to seven degrees and below. The reason for this is because it is when your grass will reduce the speed of growth, slowing down over the winter period, before picking back up to its normal growth speed around March time," Craig reveals.
Expert Advice on Timing
Wilson typically advises mowing for the last time anytime between late October and the end of November. However, he notes that milder autumns might allow gardeners to push the final mow later this year, based on the weather data collected.
"Ultimately, my advice would always be to keep an eye on the weather as we head into November. You want to make sure your lawn is cut before the first frost hits, otherwise you risk the chance of damaging your grass," Wilson continues. "Therefore, to be on the safe side, I would always cut my lawn just before the end of November, even if it's been a mild autumn, just in case the weather decides to change and temperatures drop quicker than previously predicted."
Post-Mow Care
Once the final cut is complete, Wilson suggests aerating the lawn to avoid waterlogging and compaction over the winter. "Simply spike your lawn with a garden fork to help improve the drainage," he advises.
