Monty Don's Critical 2026 Lawn Mowing Guidance
Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has delivered essential advice regarding the optimal timing for the first lawn cut of 2026, issuing a stark warning against mowing too early in the year. The renowned horticulturist emphasizes that premature trimming can inflict lasting damage on grass, potentially compromising its health and resilience throughout the entire growing season.
The Perils of Premature Lawn Cutting
This year has seen one of the wettest starts on record across the United Kingdom, with numerous regions experiencing persistent daily rainfall for over a month. Although the relentless precipitation has finally subsided, many homeowners are now confronting lawns that appear desperately overgrown and in need of attention.
One of the most pressing questions for gardening enthusiasts during this transitional period revolves around identifying the correct moment to deploy the lawnmower. Multiple gardening experts concur that mowing prematurely often causes more harm than benefit, potentially weakening the lawn's structure and vitality for months to come.
Cutting grass during colder months can inflict significant long-term damage, as grass struggles to thrive in lower temperatures. During early spring, grass plants concentrate their energy on developing strong, extensive root systems rather than focusing on vertical growth. Mowing too soon disrupts this critical physiological process by diverting precious energy away from root development toward repairing cut blades.
The Mid-March Turning Point
Despite these cautions, gardening specialists generally agree that by mid-March, temperatures typically rise sufficiently to make lawn mowing safe and beneficial. Monty Don has specifically addressed this seasonal timing on his gardening blog, explicitly warning against trimming lawns too early in the year.
"Cutting too early during the colder months can damage your lawn, as grass doesn't thrive in low temperatures," Don explained. "By mid-March, the weather in most parts of the UK has warmed enough to make mowing beneficial."
However, the gardening expert cautions that homeowners shouldn't simply grab their mowers and set them to the lowest cutting height, which he identifies as a serious horticultural mistake.
"The grass will need mowing in March but do not cut it too short," Don advised. "Just give it a light trim for the rest of this month. This will encourage good root growth and as a result the grass will be a lot healthier and better able to resist summer drought."
Cultivating Healthy Grass Philosophy
Monty Don promotes a proactive approach to lawn care that focuses on cultivating vigorous grass rather than combating perceived problems.
"To get a 'good' lawn you have to think positively," he emphasized. "Put your efforts into healthy grass rather than fighting perceived 'problems' like daisies, moss, ants, worm-casts, moles, plantains, dandelions and fairy rings. Nine times out of ten if the grass is healthy then everything else will look after itself."
The gardening presenter notes that optimal grass thrives in well-drained soil conditions. Moss proliferation typically indicates poor drainage, often exacerbated by shaded areas. Unfortunately, even the best-prepared soil becomes compacted over time due to matted roots, rainfall, and regular family use.
Essential Lawn Maintenance Techniques
Monty Don recommends addressing soil compaction at least annually through a simple forking procedure. This involves inserting a garden fork into the ground at approximately six-inch intervals and gently wiggling it to aerate the soil structure.
Following this aeration process, Don suggests preparing a specialized mixture comprising equal parts of sieved topsoil, sharp sand, and sieved leaf mould or compost.
"If you do not have these things to hand then just sharp or silver sand will do the job," he noted. "Spread it across the area you have pricked and brush it in with a stiff broom, filling the holes with the mixture. This will help drainage and feed the grass."
The gardening expert also recommends thoroughly scratching the lawn surface with a wire rake to remove overwintering thatch and moss accumulation. This practice allows enhanced light penetration and water access to the soil and grass roots.
"Put the debris on the compost and then mow," Don instructed. "It will look a little bald for a week or so but will grow back thicker than ever."
By following these carefully timed mowing recommendations and complementary lawn care practices, gardeners can ensure their grass remains healthy, resilient, and visually appealing throughout the 2026 growing season and beyond.
