If your grass is looking thin or discoloured after the long gloomy winter then try this one viral hack that will leave your lawn looking fresh, green and healthy
As we come into spring, many of us may be noticing unsightly bare patches of grass in our gardens. So, if you’re looking for a way to make sure your lawn is picture perfect then follow this one viral hack.
Mowing your lawn might be a fantastic way to ensure it looks groomed, but it can actually reduce how many nutrients the grass gets. As you begin to mow your lawn again in spring, you may notice the grass looking somewhat lacklustre. Other common issues that can cause thin, unhealthy looking grass include compacted soil, too much shade and excessive foot traffic. Overwatering can also cause this issue, as it leads to infections like fungus growth.
Fortunately, gardening expert Tom Strowlger has an easy solution for those wanting their grass to appear fuller and greener. In a viral TikTok, he suggested using a lawn dressing to make your garden healthier. He first says to use a garden fork to create as many holes as you can in your bare patch. He advises making them between “one to two centimetres deep.”
You should then take a hand-held seed spreader and sow the grass seeds across the patch. Some of the seeds should fall into the holes, while others will sit on the surface. The next step is to use a lawn dressing. Tom explains: “I’m sprinkling a quilt of lawn dressing on top to assist with the germination process and to protect the seeds from hungry birds.”
A lawn dressing typically consists of a mix of materials such as sand, soil and loam, which are intended to be manually added to the surface of the soil. These materials then help to improve drainage, break down thatch and feed the lawn organic matter.
When asked if it was possible to add too many seeds, Tom replied: “A generous sprinkle as I’ve done as too little will look thin and too much is tight. Some seeds do fail to germinate hence more is better.”
If you’re worried about seeds staying dormant due to the fickle spring weather, then not to fret. Tom advises that the seeds will “continue germination when the temperatures rise.” Another commenter asked if the seeds need to be watered after being planted. However, Tom reassured them: “You can sow and leave it in the moist ground and rains will water it as they come and go at this time of year.” If you’re struggling to find lawn dressing, don’t worry either. Tom also says that compost or top soil will work just fine in helping your grass seeds to grow.
