Gardeners are being urged to switch their lawn feed this autumn to help grass survive the winter months. Gardening expert and social media creator Ish, known online as @gardening.with.ish, shared the advice in a recent video, explaining that autumn is actually the easiest time to care for a lawn.
Ish said: “Should we really bother with caring for our lawn in autumn? Well, the answer is yes, and actually it’s the easiest time to take care of your lawn ever.”
Switch to an autumn lawn feed
The key is the type of lawn feed used. As autumn arrives, gardeners should move away from a summer feed high in nitrogen and choose one suited to colder, wetter conditions. Ish recommended a feed high in potassium and potash, which can be applied with a spreader or by hand.
The best time to apply the feed is between September and November. Thanks to recent weather, watering the feed in will not be necessary. Ish explained that the difference in nutritional value is what makes the grass more resilient through autumn and winter.
Focus on root strength
Normal grass feed is high in nitrogen, which keeps grass green and encourages growth, whereas autumn lawn feed is rich in potassium and potash. This feed helps gardeners focus on the roots while the grass itself goes dormant over winter.
Ish said: “So an autumn feed is higher in potassium and potash, and that focuses more on getting a nice, strong root base throughout the course of winter and ready for spring.” Using an autumn feed also helps avoid soft top growth that can be damaged by frost, toughening up the roots against winter weather.
Gardeners’ World explained: “Putting on root growth means the grass will be able to absorb more nutrients and water come the following spring, which will result in more leafy growth when you need it.”
Protection in heatwaves and fixing patches
Feeding grass now can also protect it from extreme weather next year. Ish said that a stronger root base from autumn feeding helps the lawn survive if the UK experiences another heatwave, as high potassium protects the roots from drying out.
For bare patches, Ish advised overseeding alongside feeding. He recommended roughing up the patch, applying seed directly into the soil, and adding a little compost on top. The feed and seeds do not need watering as rain will take care of them. Ish said: “As a result, my lawn will recover. It will look happy and healthy like this one, and all I’ve done is chuck a few granules and seeds in. So don’t overcomplicate lawn feeds and seeds, do it in autumn.”
