|
|
Creating Stripes
- As a mower runs over a lawn, provided it has a roller, it forces the grass in one direction and then in the opposite direction creating stripes. The heavier the mower, the more defined the stripe.
- Cylinder mowers accentuate the striping because the grass is cut in one direction only.
- Follow a pattern of cutting. Firstly cut around the perimeter of your lawn to provide a turning area then cut in straight lines either up and down your lawn or side to side with each cut slightly overlapping the previous one.
- Other patterns can also look effective i.e. diagonal stripes or a chequer board effect cutting in one direction and then at right angles.
Guide to Scarifying
- Thatch is layers of dead grass and moss which have accumulated on the surface of the soil and must be removed to maintain a healthy lawn.
- There are two main approaches to scarifying; Remove little and often from March through to October, except in drought conditions. The other method is vigorous scarifying in the spring and autumn.
- Scarifying by a hand rake is hard work. The task is made much easier and more efficient by using an electric scarifier or a petrol machine. Some cylinder mowers by manufacturers such as Atco and Qualcast can be converted into scarifying machines using an innovative QX system.
- It is a good idea to apply moss killer into the lawn a week or two before scarifying so that the dead moss can be removed more effectively.
Guide to Composting
- Shred your garden refuse before putting it on the compost heap to encourage faster decomposition.
- Your compost needs oxygen. Do not put material in a trench, as lack of ventilation causes rotting.
- Make sure it stays damp. Dryness stops the activity of micro-organisms.
- Shredded branches are recommended for the bottom layer, followed by layers of coarse and fine materials. Grass cuttings should be in very thin layers, otherwise rotting will occur.
- Suitable compost materials include tree and hedge cuttings, leaves, grass and organic kitchen waste.
- Nitrogen fertiliser, ripe compost, earth or lime will speed up decomposition. Sprinkle it thinly between individual layers. Do not compact the heap so that air cannot penetrate.
- Locate the heap somewhere protected from the wind and partly shaded. Cover the finished compost heap. This encourages the development of heat, prevents a loss of humidity and keeps pests away.
|
|
