Gardeners dreaming of a lush, verdant lawn this summer are being encouraged to scatter a common kitchen staple across their gardens this June.
Cost-Effective Lawn Care
Most would agree that getting a garden summer-ready can be a costly and exhausting endeavour, with hundreds of pounds spent on expensive fertilisers and weed killers. Fortunately, with this basic kitchen essential, gardeners can achieve a flourishing lawn at a fraction of the usual price.
With summer now in full swing, British gardens are bracing themselves for plenty of sunshine over the months ahead. That is precisely why gardening experts are urging green-fingered enthusiasts to sprinkle sugar on their lawns to cultivate a vibrant and thriving outdoor space.
How Sugar Works
Sugar has the remarkable ability to completely rejuvenate a yellow or patchy lawn, transforming it into a thick, green and luscious garden just in time for the height of summer.
Gardening experts have shed light on the science behind scattering this kitchen staple across lawns. Sugar dispersed in gardens can break down thatch — the dense layer of dead organic matter that builds up and prevents grass from growing. It also boosts the existing nutrients in your grass while simultaneously keeping unwanted weeds at bay.
In short, a bag of plain white granulated sugar serves as an all-in-one miracle solution for a struggling lawn. Best of all, it will not break the bank. Most major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Aldi, are currently stocking 1kg bags of granulated white sugar for just £1.09.
Application Tips
The ideal sugar-to-lawn ratio is approximately 450g per 10 square feet of turf, and experts suggest using standard white granulated or powdered sugar. For uniform coverage, specialists advise employing a lawn spreader and applying the sugar early in the morning when the grass is dry.
Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, explains: "Weeds tend to thrive in environments with access to sunlight and moisture, and by using sugar on your lawn, you can make it less hospitable for these weeds."
"Sugar will help break down thatch, the layer of dead grass, and other organic material that can accumulate on your lawn over time. This thatch can make it difficult for new grass to grow, but using sugar on your lawn can help break it down and improve the health of your lawn."
Expert Warnings
Gardening Know How urges green-fingered enthusiasts to proceed with care, suggesting sugar should be scattered across lawns just once per season (winter excluded) for a maximum of three applications annually.
Rachel Crow, a gardening specialist with Homes & Gardens, adds: "Sugar has its advantages, but we urge you to tread carefully, especially if your land is prone to fungal growth. However, when used in moderation, this ingredient can promote a greener lawn for the summer ahead."
Fellow expert Bill Glaser, owner of Outstanding Foods, supports the unconventional guidance while also warning against excessive or frequent sugar use, advocating a restrained method instead.
He shares: "[Sugar] allows the grass to overtake invasive plant species. Only use a sugar solution about once a month; some sources suggest replacing harsh fertilisers with rice water for more consistent application."
Tom Monson of Monson Lawn & Landscaping explains that sugar can strengthen the roots of grass growing in your garden; however, it is vital not to encourage fungal growth, particularly if your lawn does not receive a great deal of direct sunlight.
He adds: "Sugar causes the grass's roots to intake more nitrogen from the soil, which can boost your lawn's greenness. Sugar also promotes fungal growth, so you will want to inspect your lawn and ensure you do not have excess fungal growth."
Tom also noted that while sugar may not be regarded as a conventional fertiliser, by acting as a carbon source, it improves lawns by absorbing surplus nitrogen and restoring soil balance.
Lindsey went on to highlight the key benefit of sprinkling sugar across your garden — tackling weeds. She shared: "Weeds tend to thrive in environments with access to sunlight and moisture, and by using sugar on your lawn, you can make it less hospitable for these weeds."
Bill supported the claims of sugar being an efficient weed killer by pointing out that while the kitchen staple does not directly eliminate weeds, it significantly stimulates microbial activity, which in turn enriches the soil, enabling your garden to choke out unwanted plants. He went on to say: "This allows the grass to overtake invasive plant species."
