The Secrets to Achieving Britain’s Best Lawn
The owner of Britain’s Best Lawn, Stuart Grindle, has shared invaluable insights on when to cut your grass and common gardening mistakes to avoid. Crowned the champion of lawns in 2017, Stuart has dedicated an impressive 30 hours a week over the past 40 years to perfecting his green space.
From Tickhill in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Stuart believes that anyone can achieve a lawn as stunning as his with less effort than they might think. He humorously notes, “People often ask me, ‘What’s the hardest plant to grow in your garden?’ and I reply, ‘You’re standing on it!’ Grass can be particularly challenging, suffering from numerous issues, which makes it demanding to maintain.”
When is the Optimal Time to Mow Your Lawn?
Stuart advises against adhering to a strict mowing schedule. He explains, “Many people pick a specific day to mow their lawns, but flexibility is key. If the ground is too wet, it’s wise to wait until it dries out.” He warns that mowing when conditions are damp can lead to lawn stress and visible wear patches from turning the mower.
“If it rains in the morning, consider cutting in the late afternoon or early evening instead. If the grass is particularly soggy, adjust your mower height to around 25mm to 30mm to avoid damaging the turf,” he adds.
Common Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
Despite persistent wet conditions, Stuart assures gardeners that they can still effectively care for their lawns. “The silver lining of wet weather is the opportunity to feed your grass. When you fertilize in these conditions, the rain helps wash the nutrients into the soil, promoting healthy growth,” he explains.
He also addresses the issue of moss, which can thrive in damp environments. “Moss can be easily managed; simply visit your local garden center and purchase iron sulphate. The instructions for dilution will be provided, and it will eliminate the moss, turning it black almost overnight,” he advises.
Stuart’s Top Tips for a Lush Lawn
- Be flexible with your mowing schedule, especially during rainy weather; wait for drier conditions.
- Avoid overcutting your lawn to prevent stress and the formation of unsightly wear patches.
- For soggy grass, raise the mower height to approximately 25mm to 30mm to minimize damage.
- Utilize wet conditions to feed your lawn, allowing rain to help incorporate the nutrients into the soil.
- Control moss by using iron sulphate; it effectively kills moss and can transform your lawn’s appearance.
Stuart emphasizes the importance of allowing the grass to dry before performing additional maintenance. “You must wait for a dry day to scarify and aerate the lawn, then over-feed it to rejuvenate its health,” he explains. “Iron sulphate can be found at any garden center or online, with options like B&Q’s Premium Iron Sulphate starting at around £9.”
Regarding artificial turf, Stuart expresses a strong preference for natural grass: “To me, it’s an absolute no-no. The lawn is the heart of the garden, and I design everything around its shape. However, I understand that for busy families, having children involved in various activities can make maintaining a natural lawn challenging. In those cases, practicality may take precedence.”
With his extensive experience, Stuart Grindle continues to inspire gardeners to take pride in their lawns, proving that with the right knowledge and care, anyone can achieve a beautiful outdoor space.