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What Is Spring Lawn Care

What Is Spring Lawn Care? A beautiful lawn can make so much difference on the look of your whole garden. A little spring lawn care routine can get your lawn back into shape. But what is spring lawn care? Simply cleaning the grass, feeding it with fertiliser, and dealing with all the bare patches like ugly weeds and moss can make such a huge impact on your overall garden look.Here are a few of the secrets to what an effective spring lawn care looks like:

Regular mowing can be important. The correct mowing height and cutter height should also be inspected. It should be 2.5cm - 4cm for general lawns, 5cm for trodden lawns and 7.5cm for shaded lawns.
Feed your lawn with fertiliser during the spring and then once again in summer to regain its strength, health and vigour.
Use a lawn weedkiller to treat moss and weeds quickly and effectively.
Deal with some bare patches immediately to prevent moss and weeds from taking hold.
Use a scarifier to help ease the build-up of thatch layers in your lawn. Including debris, moss and all the dead grass.
Aeration will also help relieve compaction. This allows the air to circulate around the lawn root system. It can also help in lawn drainage issues.

Mowing in the spring Still, the most important thing to do during spring lawn care is correct and regular mowing. You need to cut grass whenever it grows as the weather warms up. The goal is to keep it at the same height throughout the spring season. If you mow too short, it can weaken the grass and allow weeds and moss to spoil the lawn. Here are some of our most favourite mowers.Spring lawn feedingNext to prioritise is feeding the grass with the right lawn food at the right time. Good lawn fertiliser can not only make the grass greener but also makes it thicker as it grows. It can increase the strength and health so it can be better equipped with moss, weeds and any weather-related stress.The best results can be achieved by using a granular feed that supplies a regular amount of nutrient over a few weeks.In spring, you can use a lawn product like Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1, to control the moss and weed growth. For those without moss and weed, just use a straight lawn food product like Miracle-Gro EverGreen fast Green.It’s important to apply granular feed evenly over your entire lawn at the recommended rate. You can do this easily by using a lawn spreader. If you feed the lawn again in 6 weeks, it will remain strong and healthy.Treating Weeds And MossWeeds and moss on your lawn are always a major headache. Compared to those who aren’t fed and looked after properly, strong and healthy lawn can deal with this far better.If there are no moss but only weeds on your lawn, you can quickly treat this with a liquid lawn weedkiller. It won’t cause any damage but can control most broad-leaved weeds. But if you have moss only and no weeds, a lot of lawn moss killers are available. Most contains feed so it does more to your lawn. Just remember that moss turns black once they die so don’t do this if you’re expecting some guests.If you have them both, the solution is simple. Just use a granular lawn product with feeding, moss and weed control ingredients.Dealing With Bare Patches After winter, your lawn may not look that great because of bare areas. These areas are usually where weeds and moss take hold. Treat your lawn with a lawn patch repair product once in a while. Some products in the market will have a combination of grass seed, slow-release feed and coir. This will help cover bare patches while producing a thick grass covering.If your dog caused the bare area, repair the damage by blending salt-tolerant grass seeds and neutraliser to allow the grass to grow again. Products like Miracle-Gro Patch Magic Dog Spot Repair can work.Spring Lawn Care - OverseedingEvery year, up to a quarter of your lawn can die, especially in the cold, wet winter. Overseeding or sowing new grass seed into your current lawn can rejuvenate your lawn back to life. It can also improve the appearance of your lawn and increase density to reduce weed and moss attack. Be neighbourhood’s garden advice guru with these hints and tips:

Trim the edges of your lawn when you mow to keep crisp lines.
Cut lawn with a half-moon edging to ensure they’re well-shaped.
Remove dead grass, thatch and other debris by using a scarifier to prevent healthy grass growth.
Aerate your lawn in early spring using a garden fork or hollow -tined aerator. This will improve drainage and reduce waterlogging.
Add top dressing after aerating to improve drainage too.
Water your grass if it needs it. Water the roots thoroughly to avoid drought damage.

How To Rejuvenate Your Lawn

How To Rejuvenate Your Lawn? A great looking lawn will surely improve any garden. There is no doubt that it also requires more attention after a dry summer. Winter can also slow down the rate at which your lawn grows so while we are all at home over the next few weeks and months, now is the best time to bring back some life into our lawns.TIDY IT UP The first step in rejuvenating your lawn is to trim down the edges. Just give it a quick mow on a medium height setting and remove any grass runner that’s been growing over your paths and driveways. And although we all hate doing it, we have to start weeding. Winter weeds become a bigger problem every time we leave it to spread so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as you can.Once your lawn is in shape, the next thing to do is improve the health of your soil. The soil is where the root system of the lawn spreads and absorbs all the goodness you put into it, feeding it with nutrients and water is what they need. Aerating your soil will allow the fertiliser, water and top-dress you feed reach the roots. You can use a cultivator, garden fork, spiked roller or aerator to penetrate your lawn to open up dense soil.REMOVE THE THATCH This is one of the most important steps in rejuvenating your lawn. Thatch is the layer of organic matter made of grass clippings, root and plant matter. This can build up on top of the root system and on the bottom of the grass blades. If you allow this, it can be too thick that it can be detrimental to the health of your lawn. To avoid this, use a dethatcher to break up any thatch build up once every four months. You can also do it with a rake. FEED AND DRESS Once you’re done with the first and second step, your lawn is now ready for a feed. There are a lot of fertilisers available, ranging from slow-release to organic pellets and enriched top-dress soil. We recommend using a fertiliser spreader so that the food can be distributed evenly. Too much of the fertiliser can burn the grass and too little can limit the nutrients they need. Always read the label so you know the recommended rate.The final step is to top-dress the lawn. This usually involves an 80:20 sand/soil mix that you spread all over the lawn. It can act as drainage and reduce the risk of waterlogging. This will also help level any areas that may have sunk over the last few months.WINTER CAREBe mindful of how your lawn will feel during winter. It can slow the growth and can make it dull and bare. During this time of the year, you only need to do mowing once every four or five weeks. The sun is also lower in the sky so it can create more shadowed and dark areas. This can leave the soil damp and may not have enough sunlight to dry so don’t bother to water too much. Make sure you remove leaf litter on your lawn too.Here’s how you rejuvenate your lawn.

How To Make A Bug Hotel

How To Make A Bug HotelAttracting bugs into your garden sound like something you won’t want to do but it can actually be an important part in a successful garden. Some insects can help control the population of damaging insects or pests. They are also responsible for the pollination of food crops and flowers. Creating a safe space for these insects to breed and hibernate can encourage healthy pollination and can drive away parasites.Insects can be very picky when it comes to accommodation, so follow this guide to make sure you get it right. Not only is this a great excuse to use our chainsaw, but it’s also a great way to teach your kids about gardening. It can be a little fun activity for Fathers Day.It should be located at least 1 meter off the ground. This will protect it from small and curious kids and animals. For better results, make sure the front can see the most sun so it stays warm as possible and can dry easily when it rains. Don’t hang it under the tree or anywhere shady.The most ideal location is in front of a fence and near pollen-rich plants so they have access to food.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

A chainsaw, nothing too big!
A drill
A sawhorse or workbench
Wire mesh
Pinecones
Reeds
Bark or mulch
Old roof tiles (optional)
Hammer
Nails
Staple gun

STEP 1:

Start by cutting your log into shape for the pitched roof of your bug hotel. Make sure it won’t roll away when you cut it. Use a classic sawhorse or a tree stump to make it easier.

STEP 2:

Next, cut off a 4cm thick cookie on a slight angle. This will be used for the roof. For the base, cut a cookie with the same thickness from the bottom of the log. Set them aside for later.

STEP 3:

Now for the front, set your log upright and secure it somewhere sturdy. Cut off one side so it has a flat face. Use this side to sketch out area for the holes, slots and recesses. The slits are great for butterflies and the holes are great for wild bees. The recesses can be filled with pinecones, bark, wood shavings and more.

STEP 4:

To complete the recess, lay the log down and make the fourth cut. After sawing the first recess, repeat the steps for the second recess.Cut out the marked recesses using a chainsaw. Do initial vertical cut first then the horizontal plunge cuts. Make sure to cut the plunge slowly because it has risks of kickback. Follow safety component when operating the chainsaw. After the plunge, cut the second vertical cut.

STEP 5:

Saw the slits next. Then, use a drill to make the holes. They should be between 3mm - 6mm in diameter because insects prefer smaller holes. Smooth them with sandpaper to finish.

STEP 6:

Keep nosy birds away by cutting a piece of wire mesh. Cover the entire front of the bug hotel then keeps it in place with fencing staples.

STEP 7:

This is one of the most important steps - fill it with nesting materials for the insects. Turn it upside down and start filling the bottom section first. Trim grasses and reeds and stack them in the recess. Next, top it with mulch to keep your hotel insulated.

STEP 8:

It’s now time to attach the base. Use the cookie from step #2 to attach the base using a hammer and nails.

STEP 9:

Lastly, fill the top of your bug hotel and attach its roof. Grasses and mulch will be perfect for attracting bees. Once you’re happy with the fillings, attach the roof just like how you did with the base. You can also add wood shavings and pine cones.

5 Bonus Harvests You Can Get In Your Garden

Five Bonus Harvests You Can Get From Your Own Garden

Growing your own vegetables in your garden has so many benefits. But did you know that some plants can give you so much more than what you’d expect? Some plants produce bonus edible parts when you harvest, some of that you wouldn’t normally find in the stores. Here are a few of our most favourites harvests you can get:

1. Carrot Tops

When we harvest carrots, the first thing we do is to remove the leaves so the roots can stay fresh for longer.And what do we do with these left-over carrot leaves? Most of the time they go straight to the compost unless you have rabbits to feed.So this may come off as a surprise but you can actually eat those carrot leaves - and they taste so much like the root of a carrot.They may not be the kind that you can use for a side dish on its own, but a few chopped leaves can work wonders for your soup or stew.It can also be used to make carrot pesto or used for an added carrot flavour to omelettes, salads, and samosa fillings.

2. Coriander Seeds

Most people who grow coriander love to stir it fresh into a curry. But even a slight increase in temperature can cause this herb to bolt even before you can harvest. This rapid rise to flowering should be celebrated because, after this, it will be followed by much-prized seeds.They are green at first and may taste just like coriander leaves but once it ripens and the green colour fades, it will start to taste zestier and can be a great addition to all sorts of spicy dishes.They also last longer than the leaves.

3. Cauliflower Leaves

It always feels like a growing triumph when your head of cauliflower emerges from its leafy casing as a tight, white dome of florets.But that leafy casing should also be celebrated as a growing success because cauliflower leaves are edible and taste great too.Cook them like cabbage or, the next time you’re making cauliflower cheese, chop the lot up – including the thick white bit that divides each leaf – and cook them all together, practically doubling the size of your meal in the process.

4. Squash Seeds

Almost every recipe that requires squash starts off by telling us to scoop out the seeds in the middle.But did you know that those seeds can be your next favourite snack?Just spread them out on a tray, add salt or any seasoning that you want on top and bake in a hot oven.Once they turn golden brown, they will be crispy and crunchy, giving you a nutritious and healthy snack to munch on.

5. Nasturtium Pods

The news about nasturtium flowers and leaves being edible and making a good addition to salads are now beginning to spread.But don’t just pick out all the flowers at once, because they can also be helpful in the kitchen when you pickle them.They are often referred to as the “poor man’s capers” but they’re so much better than that.Now you know the 5 Bonus Harvests You Can Get In Your Garden, you can now start growing your own vegetables!

Here Are 5 Signs You’re A Master Gardener

What age do you think you became a master gardener? And what are the signs you are one? Or are you still working towards it? Find out from this list.5 Signs You Are A Master GardenerA leading brand conducted a survey of 2,000 adults and found out that only a quarter of them rated themselves as good at gardening. The other 20% says they’re “not very good” at gardening at all.Some people garden for fun, some people do it for therapy and some just as a hobby. But for others, they really spend their time and efforts so they can become a master gardener.According to another survey, the number one sign that someone is a master gardener is that their garden is always presentable. Here are 5 other signs to look for:

Know what plants to plant at different times and seasons of the year
Knows how to identify the names of different plants and trees
Gives advice to others about gardening
Know how to deadhead flowers
Spend a lot of money on gardening tools, ornaments, and furniture per year

If you tick off all these signs then you’re on your way to becoming a master gardener. Here are a few more interesting stats.Gardening has a reputation that it’s something that only older people do. But a survey conducted found that almost 50% of the respondents said that they started making efforts on their own gardens between the ages 18 and 31. Less surprisingly though lawnmowers are the most common gardening tool that people own.It also did not come as a shock that people accidentally chop and cut off their power tools wires while working on their garden which is why cordless power tools are now becoming much more popular. Especially battery ones, which we have a great range in at Mower Place.Over half of people surveyed feel confident about how and when to mow their lawns. It also came out that people are less sure about how they can use their chainsaws, with only 14% feeling confident that they know how to use one. If you need help with chainsaws just drop us a message.Gardening is more than just lawnmowers and chainsaws though, 64% of respondents potted plants, ⅓ have a herb garden and 59% had a patio or decking area while 70% had garden furniture.Pressure washing the patio or decking has been becoming popular in stress-relieving too. 44% of respondents say it’s incredibly satisfying and one of the best things about gardening. Of course, the survey highlighted the many benefits of gardening with 60% saying it’s a breath of fresh air and a really fun way to exercise and clean their head.It's no surprise gardening is actually more popular than most realise. But, would you consider yourself a master gardener?At Mower Place, we believe everyone is a master gardener. The great outdoors is to be enjoyed. That’s why we have something for everyone.

5 Tips How To Make Your Garden Kid Friendly

Summer is for the kids and for the entire family to share time and enjoy each other’s company. Making sure your garden is kid-friendly will not only avoid any nasty accidents but will also improve your kid’s health. Here are the top 5 ways you can do that.147136

How To Build A Sandpit

How To Build A SandpitIf you and your kids are planning to do some DIY or looking for an activity, building a sandpit is one of the best options. With the right tools, it is an easy task that they can enjoy. And the great thing is, you can customise it to suit your space.The first thing to consider is the placement of your sandpit. Once a sandpit is assembled, you can no longer move it so you should remember this step. Make sure that it is somewhere close to home and somewhere visible so you can keep an eye on your tiny humans.It’s also important to remember that it should not be directly under the sun. To protect your kids from UV rays find a shady spot or add a shade sail once your sandpit is built.Once you have a location, the next step is to determine the size of the sandpit to build. Of course, the bigger the pit, the more room for playing there is to enjoy. But also, more sand! For this build and the instructions below the sandpit is 1.5m x 1.5m, with a depth of 30cm. It will also include bench-style seats for your children or a spot for you to sit on while you supervise.

Now, it’s time to get building!

Here’s what you’ll need:

13 round wooden posts/stakes (diameter: 10 cm)
2 planed-edge boards, at least 20 cm wide
Wood screws
Play sand
Sandpit geotextile
Chainsaw
Staple gun
Drill
Metre rule
Sawhorse
Screw clamps

STEP 1:If you have longer posts or stakes, cut them to 1.5m or as required. Measure, mark and sew the excess wood. To avoid people getting caught when walking by, a round of the edges with a chainsaw.STEP 2:Since this sandpit follows the traditional log cabin style, the next step is to carve out some notches so you can stack the stakes on top of the other so you can form a wall. Start by making marks on the stakes. It is important to make sure that the notches are of the same height on both sides. Use a ruler or something straight to draw a perfect line from one end to another.The next step is to make paper templates to create uniform notches. These templates can be used to set out the shape you need to cut out for the second stake in the notch, at right angles to the first, forming the sandpit’s corner.To have the same height on both sides of the notches, fold the template in the middle and align it halfway with the one you already marked on the stake.Be careful when cutting out the notches because they are key to the structure and stability of your sandpit. Saw vertically then use a hammer for the extra wood pieces.Smooth the notch with a chainsaw carefully. Repeat these steps for all stakes, keeping one intact. Be sure to test if the stake fits to avoid any issues.STEP 3:To make sure the sandpit is levelled on the ground, the bottom stake needs to be split lengthwise. Secure the leftover stakes without notches with a clamp so it doesn’t rollover. Mark a straight line on the stake before using the chainsaw.STEP 4:It’s now time to assemble. Start by placing two halved pieces your preferred location to form the opposing walls, then follow by positioning the two-round stakes with the notches downwards onto the half stakes on the ground.Once they fit and you’re happy with it, secure them using a drill. Continue this process until all the stakes are used.STEP 5:Almost done! Now to mount the bench seats, just lay the flat planks on top of the sides and secure it with your drill.STEP 6:The last step is to line your sandpit. This way, the contents are separated from the ground. This will keep your sandpit clean and free from insects and grassroots.To do this, attach the lining to the base with a staple gun. Don’t forget to do up the sides. When done, you can now fill the sandpit with sand and enjoy!

How to Build a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary

How to Build a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary? Building a catch-all wildlife shelter is just like creating a bee hotel for solitary bees. The list of the do’s and don’ts still needs to be precise since they have the same goal. Which is to attract specific creatures with specific needs.The basic principle of building a wildlife den is to construct a frame that offers both shelter and protection and fill it with things that can encourage wildlife to stay and bed down for a while. You can customise the size of the dens to however you want them to be and fill them with as any type of bedding you choose. Just ensure that they are solid, sturdy and positioned correctly.For the outer walls, you can use any old wooden frame if it still in good condition. The floors can be made from sawn wood from palettes which are held in place by bricks before filling in the gaps with various materials. Here are a few of the materials you can use for filling.

Sticks and stems

You can use a garden pruner like STIHL garden pruner to cut up bits of sticks in your yard. For fussier wildlife residents, those hollow stemmed sticks like bamboo are perfect. Sticks and stems are great homes for ladybirds who appreciates crevices of all sizes from that small pile it provides.

Bricks, stones, tiles and terracotta pots

Besides using bricks as support, you can also use this as a bug patio along with tiles and a few stones. Frogs would love to nestle under those bricks because it is a cool and damp environment away from heat. Other amphibians will also appreciate this because they are frost-free zones which are perfect for winter. Expect also to welcome plenty of woodlice, slugs, snails and reptiles that can use the tiles as their sun-bathing spots.

Deadwood and loose bark

Old rotting wood and bark attract woodlice along with centipedes, beetles and spiders. Tiny creatures will also enjoy the decaying bits which will then, in turn, be food for larger insects and birds.

Straw, hay and dried leaves

Make good nesting materials for hibernating creatures by using dry grass, which is also a great food source for worms. You may get smaller species of birds nesting here. Just be careful of unwanted snakes!

Nectar and water

If you move a few flowering plants next to the den, the nectar can attract pollinators to the area who might use it as their home or dine on some occupants. Having a water source nearby will also benefit your occupants so you should consider adding a small pond.Now, you already learned How to Build a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary. Once your wildlife hotel is done, just be patient and give it a while and see who is moving in. Make sure you check if the leafy areas need topping up too. Once you have them move in, study the creatures and make a note on which birds are attracted to the area. It’s not guaranteed on how they’ll use your den but by constantly checking in, you will be able to learn more about your garden wildlife and new garden friends.

How To Manage Your Garden During Winter

It’s finally Winter! Here are some of the winter gardening tips.It may feel colder out there but this is actually a perfect time to garden! Working outdoors is less tiring and physically demanding during the cooler weather. Your soils are moist and there’s so much you can do to prepare your garden for Spring. Here are a few gardening tips this season:

MANAGE YOUR LEAF LITTER

This is the best time to clean up any Autumn leaves lying around. They can be quiet hazardous and can cause damage to your lawn and plants. But don’t clean everything as soon as it falls, they can also be a nutrient-rich mulch. Focus on the areas that are directly under deciduous trees and if those that cover the plants.Dispose of your leaf litter using a blower vac. After collecting and mulching the leaves, they can be added back as a light layer for your garden beds.

KEEP FROST AT BAY

Be mindful of the frost when adding new plants to your garden. If you have plans to introduce new plants to your garden in the spring or autumn, this next few months will be the best time to know your garden and learn which areas are prone to frost.Frost may suck the moisture from your plants and can result in yellow or dead leaves. If you see this happening just remove the dead leaves to preserve your plant’s energy.The best way to prepare is to plant frost-tender plants in protected areas and keep the tolerant plants in the open. Try selecting plans that are more tolerant of damp soil in areas that are more prone to getting waterlogged.

WHAT TO PLANT, WHAT NOT TO PLANT

For those planting vegetables, winter is the perfect time to grow cool-climate vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. It's also great to plant a range of garden herbs along with the legumes like beans and peas. Stay away from planting warm-season plants like corn, cucumber, zucchini and basil.planting to optimise your condition is great in ensuring that your garden can survive the cold weather. Position your plans where they are best suited. Try growing sun-loving plants in the north-facing aspect. Doing so will allow them to take advantage of the sun.

WINTER WEEDS

The best time to prepare your garden for winter is late summer and autumn. While lawn growth is slower during winter, it will still require some attention and you will still need to do some tidying. If you need to mow, keep the height high so you don't cut too low. Longer grass can protect both the soil and roots from frost. Don't forget to watch out for broad-leaved weeds because the longer they’re ignored, the bigger the problem they can be. don't forget to watch out for broad-leaved weeds because the longer they’re ignored, the bigger the problem they can be.

GET PRUNING

Winter gardening is the best time for pruning, it should be done at the start of the season to achieve the best results. This will reduce any risk of disease, better the air circulation and expose the full plant to sun breaks, By removing existing buds from rose bushes, you preserving its energy and start preparing for new growth.It’s also the best time to shape and prune deciduous trees. Once they’ve lost their leaves, you can have a better view of what you need to cut. It can reduce the damage in your property during the rainy season.

DON’T NEGLECT YOUR TOOLS

Some may neglect their winter gardening routines but this means you are also neglecting your tools. This is actually the best time to service, sharpen or clean your tools after frequent use during Spring and Summer.