After the successful initial seeding, care is essential for the preservation
of the lawn. This is the only way to guarantee a successful, dense, quality lawn
that will appear healthy and in uniform for years to come. Mowing, fertilizing,
aeration and watering are all to be considered part of the maintenance regime.
It is also important to consider the weed control and the treatment of illnesses
within your lawn care regime.
Mowing:
Mowing is not only the most time consuming but is also the most important
part of your lawn maintenance regime. Remember when cutting you should not take
away more than 30% to at most 50% of the growth of the plant. A frequent mowing
along with the right fertilization promotes the formation of a thick, carpet
like sward, this is because the grass plants are stimulated to grow. This also
strengthens your lawn. When making the decision, when is the right time to cut?
Remember that by cutting you should not take away more that 30% to at most 50%
of the growth of the plant. If you mow the plant too tight it looses too much
green area and finds it difficult to regenerate quickly. In a garden area the
cut height should be between 3-5cm. Therefore you should mow at a height of
6-10cm. In the spring, try as far as possible to cut the lawn once a week.
Fertilization:
The lawn must regenerate constantly and with a lawn cut regularly nutrients
on the surface are taken. Therefore the right fertilization is important for the
formation of a strong green sward. The lawn is in a constant growth process and
requires nutrients which must be supplied by specialized fertilization. The lawn
not only needs nitrogen but also a well balanced combination of nitrogen,
phosphate, potash as well as magnesium and trace elements. These nutrients
assist the construction of the plant and the control of the herbal metabolism
along with other functions. Hence the most suited fertilizer is multi nutrient
and whose nutrient composition is appropriate for the needs of the lawn.
Watering:
Provide and ensure your lawn always has enough humidity. Natural
precipitation is ordinarily sufficient for it. Should it be necessary to water
the lawn i.e. if you are faced with phases of long persistent dryness, the
following should be followed: New lawns or reseeds should be watered every 2
days with approx 1-2 1itres/ square meter. Older lawns should only be watered
once a week and penetrate up to 20 litres / square meters. It is best to water
early in the morning or late evening – never water in full sunlight.
The Gardening Year: This table gives
you and overview of the most important activities for you lawn within the
gardening year.
