BBC Gardeners' World expert Oliver Parsons has shared four key lawn care tips for June, advising homeowners on how to protect their lawns during the summer heatwave. Speaking on the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Podcast, Parsons emphasised the importance of proper maintenance at this time of year, as UK temperatures are expected to reach up to 40°C.
Raise Mower Blades to Protect Soil
Parsons recommended raising mower blades as the first step. He explained: "This helps the roots to go down deeper and also shades the soil so a lot less water will evaporate from the soil surface. It also means your lawn will look that little bit better through summer." This technique reduces water loss and promotes deeper root growth, making the lawn more resilient.
Feed Your Lawn with Organic Fertiliser
Feeding the lawn is another crucial task. Parsons advised using an organic fertiliser such as blood, fish, and bone meal. "Feeding is another job for summer, I like to use something organic. Blood, fish, and bone meal in March, and again in June does the trick," he said. This provides essential nutrients to sustain the lawn during hot, dry conditions.
Take a Laid-Back Approach to Weeds
Parsons suggested not worrying too much about weeds during the heatwave. "As for weeds, I prefer to be reasonably laid back. If a dandelion pops up, I may dig it out with a daisy grubber, but otherwise I let the lawn do its own thing," he stated. This approach minimises stress on the lawn and conserves energy for recovery.
Use Edging Shears for a Tidy Finish
Finally, Parsons highlighted the impact of edging with shears after mowing. "Also, never underestimate the impact of a little bit of edging after mowing with some long-handled shears. It sharpens everything up and makes the whole garden look tidier," he said. This simple step enhances the overall appearance of the garden.
Parsons also addressed watering, noting that unless the lawn is newly seeded or turfed, watering is largely unnecessary. "Watering the lawn, unless it's one you've just sown by seed or laid as turf, is pretty much a waste of time, and it's definitely a waste of water. Even if it goes brown in a dry spell over summer, it will soon green up again after a decent bit of rainfall," he explained.
In related advice, BBC Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don previously advised viewers to delay mowing until after June 21. "It is important to time the cutting of this long grass to maximise the performance of the bulbs next spring and of the grasses themselves. Nothing should be cut at all until after the longest day on June 21," Don said. This allows bulbs to die back and nourish next year's growth.
