When autumn knocks at the garden door, experienced hobby gardeners once again give their lawn a concentrated load of care and attention. Here you can find out how to fertilize professionally, how to lime skilfully and how to mow the lawn properly before winter.

Fertilizing strengthens winter hardiness

The balanced supply of nutrients is one of the mainstays of professional lawn care in autumn. Since other weather influences are now affecting the green space, a modified composition of the nutrients comes into focus. A growth spurt from nitrogen would result in soft, limp culms. Instead, potassium now serves to strengthen the metabolism and promotes the resistance of the plant cells. How to fertilize properly in autumn:

  • Apply a special autumn fertilizer with extra potassium in October, such as Patentkali or Kalimagnesia
  • Then water the lawn repeatedly until the granulate has soaked in the rain
  • Alternatively, fertilize organically with potassium-rich comfrey manure without the risk of over-fertilization
  • Stop fertilizing at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius

The specialist garden trade has recognized the desire of environmentally conscious hobby gardeners for organic autumn fertilizer for the lawn and offers suitable products. Unlike mineral preparations, organic fertilizer is not soluble in water. Rather, an army of soil organisms takes care of making the nutrients available for the lawn during the winter. In this way, organic autumn fertilization creates the best conditions for vital growth next spring.

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Never spread mineral fertilizer on a dry lawn. In the worst case, the salts cause burns on the leaves, which destroy any hope of a lush green carpet. If in doubt, slightly moisten the green area with the lawn sprinkler before fertilizing.

Liming protects the lawn from over-acidification in autumn

If a dense moss mat has spread in the lawn over the course of the summer, this evil indicates an overly acidic soil. A simple pH value test from the garden center provides certainty. If the result falls below the ideal value of 6-7, targeted liming regulates the acidity of the soil. The following table presents common types of lime with their advantages and disadvantages:

Lime varieties for the fall Essential Components benefits disadvantage dosage recommendation
limestone powder calcium carbonate, minerals ideal for liming in autumn difficult to dissolve in water 100-200gsm
dolomite carbonate of lime, magnesium well suited for light soils very brittle and hard 120-150 gsm
Thomas flour rich in phosphorus and manganese for all acidic garden soils contaminated with the heavy metal chromium 60-80gsm
vital lime carbonate of lime, trace elements excellent preservation liming expensive maximum 300 g/m²
algae lime silicates, trace elements, magnesium improves the overall soil structure Over-fertilization impedes photosynthesis 300-800gsm
rock flour Lime, Potassium, Magnesium ecologically very compatible acts slowly via soil organisms 100-120 gsm

The dosage recommendations are guidelines. The individual amount is based on the actual pH value and the soil conditions. On a light sandy soil, a much lower dose causes the desired increase in the acid value than when liming a lawn on heavy clay soil.

Step-by-step instructions for correct liming

Since the decision to lime in autumn is always accompanied by increased moss growth, it is advisable to scarify the lawn in advance. The blades of the scarifier not only comb out the moss, but also all tangles and weeds. In order for the grass surface to regenerate in time for winter, an appointment in September should be considered. Proceed with these steps:

  • Mow the lawn to 3 cm
  • Use the scarifier (€84.00) to work the grass surface lengthwise and crosswise
  • Scratch the floor no more than 2-3 mm deep
  • Then use the spreader to whitewash the prepared lawn

Subsequent watering is of crucial importance for the successful course of this autumn care measure. If it doesn't rain on the same day, the lawn sprinkler is used. Otherwise, depending on the type of lime used, the leaves may be burned.

When is the lawn mowed for the last time before winter?

Every year there is uncertainty among hobby gardeners as to when they will mow the lawn for the last time before winter. Although an ideal time cannot be named, there are the following indications for the appropriate choice of date:

  • Mow the lawn in the usual rhythm, as the weather permits
  • The blades of grass continue to grow as long as it doesn't freeze
  • After the first frosty night, mow the lawn for the last time before winter
  • A cutting height of 4-5 centimeters is ideal in order to withstand snow pressure if necessary

Consistently collect the leaves from the lawn, as mold can form underneath during the winter. In addition, the grass clippings should not be left lying around, as they serve as a breeding ground for fungi and other lawn diseases.

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Already knew? An English textile engineer invented the first lawn mower. Until the early 19th century, sheep were responsible for keeping the grassy areas around the English noble houses at least somewhat short. In 1830, a cloth cutting machine inspired Edwin Beard Budding to develop the first reel mower. This cleared the way to the legendary 'English lawn'.

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Garden design