Monty Don has issued a stark warning for gardeners: avoid cutting your lawn during the current heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 30°C. The Gardeners' World presenter recommends delaying mowing until at least June 21, the summer solstice, to protect both the grass and garden wildlife.
Why Not Mow During a Heatwave?
Experts emphasize that cutting grass in extreme heat and drought conditions causes severe stress to the turf. This stress leaves lawns vulnerable to scorching, disease, and long-term browning. Jonathan Davis, grass expert at Lawnsmith, stated: "Importantly, no one should be cutting their grass this weekend. While it might seem like a good idea, the best thing you can do is leave your lawn alone during heatwave conditions. Cutting it during hot weather can place stress on the blades and lead to long-term damage."
Monty Don's Advice
Monty Don goes further, urging gardeners to let grass grow long to benefit wildlife. He said: "By June a million gardens are regularly humming with the sound of motor-mowers. But at Longmeadow we restrict this to paths and try and let as much grass as possible grow long and planted up with spring bulbs and wildflowers. This looks beautiful and is so much better for insects and all forms of wildlife than a neatly mown lawn." He advises that nothing should be cut until after June 21, allowing bulb foliage to die back and feed next year's growth.
If You Must Mow
For those who cannot resist, experts recommend mowing before 10 am when it is cooler, and raising mower blades to the highest setting to keep grass around three to four inches long. Longer grass creates shade that retains soil moisture, offering protection against scorching weather. Monty Don himself often delays the first cut until mid-August in his own garden.
Ultimately, leaving the lawn uncut during the heatwave will result in a healthier, more resilient garden by next spring.
