Adding a potassium-rich autumn lawn feed now is the key to helping grass survive winter, according to a gardening expert, who says autumn is actually the easiest time to care for your lawn.
Gardening expert and social media creator Ish recently shared the product every gardener should apply to their lawn this autumn. In a video, 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."
Why switch to an autumn lawn feed
The secret lies in the type of lawn feed you scatter across the grass. Now that autumn has arrived, you'll want to swap your summer feed, which is rich in nitrogen, for one better suited to the colder, wetter conditions ahead. Ish recommended a lawn feed that's high in potassium and potash. The feed can be applied using a spreader or simply by hand.
The ideal window for applying the feed falls between September and November. Given the recent change in weather conditions, there will be no need to water the feed in afterwards.
How potassium and potash help grass
Ish explained that the difference in nutritional value is what helps keep grass resilient throughout the autumn and winter months. Standard grass feed is high in nitrogen, which concentrates on keeping the grass green and encouraging growth, whereas autumn lawn feed is packed with potassium and potash.
This type of feed allows gardeners to concentrate on the roots while the grass itself becomes 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 lawn feed will help prevent soft top growth on the grass that gets damaged by frost. This will assist in toughening up the lawn's roots, making it more resistant to harsh 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 tackling bare patches
Switching the type of feed you give your lawn can also offer protection against extreme weather conditions in the year ahead. Ish explained that feeding grass during autumn can also provide the lawn with a stronger root base, safeguarding it against intense heat. Should the UK be hit by another sweltering heatwave next year, a high potassium content in the grass will help shield the roots from drying out and perishing.
Ish explained: "It'll also mean if you've got a heatwave next year, because you've got a stronger root base, it'll survive if you've had some issues with it this year."
If you're still struggling with bare patches on your lawn, you can address this at the same time as feeding your grass by overseeding. Ish recommended roughing up the affected area and applying the seed directly into the soil, with a small amount of compost scattered over the top. Neither the lawn feed nor the seeds will require watering, as rainfall will do the job naturally.
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."
