Gardeners hoping to achieve a lush and verdant lawn this summer are being urged to sprinkle a common kitchen staple in their gardens this June. The surprising hack, endorsed by gardening experts, promises a vibrant green lawn at a fraction of the cost of traditional fertilisers and weed removers.
Why Sugar Works on Lawns
Sugar has the ability to completely revitalise yellow or patchy lawns, transforming them into thick, green, and lush spaces just in time for peak summer. The science behind this hack is simple: sugar helps break down thatch, the clumpy layer of dead organic matter that accumulates in lawns and prevents grass from growing. It also enriches existing nutrients and blocks unwanted weeds.
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."
How to Apply Sugar to Your Lawn
The perfect sugar-to-garden ratio is roughly 450g per 10 square feet of lawn, using regular white granulated or powdered sugar. For even application, experts recommend using a lawn spreader and sprinkling the sugar early in the morning on dry grass.
A bag of 1kg granulated white sugar costs just £1.09 at major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Aldi, making it an affordable alternative to expensive lawn treatments.
Caution and Expert Advice
While sugar is effective, experts urge caution. Rachel Crow, a gardening expert with Homes & Gardens, advises: "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."
Tom Monson of Monson Lawn & Landscaping 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’ll want to inspect your lawn and ensure you do not have excess fungal growth." He recommends using sugar sparingly and only about once a month.
Bill Glaser, owner of Outstanding Foods, backs the advice but warns against overuse: "[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."
When to Use Sugar on Lawns
Gardening Know How recommends sprinkling sugar on lawns only once each season (excluding winter), for a total of only three times per year. This ensures the lawn benefits without encouraging excessive fungal growth.
By following this simple, low-cost hack, gardeners can achieve a thriving, green lawn without breaking the bank.
