Lawn

jeffers71

Hi All, I've raked out all the thatch, it’s now looking a lot thinner !! I’m going to Aerate it (should I brush some sharp sand in ?) Should I weed & feed it as well to kill of any moss left ? What about some over seeding ?  Thanks 

Posy

What sort of soil do you have? How much rain has fallen in your area recently?

JennyJ

Probably best to leave the overseeding until autumn, unless you're somewhere that gets reliable and regular rain through the summer. You might find that the grass thickens up on its own and you don't need to add any seed.

jeffers71

I believe it’s a loamy soil, I’m on the chiltens so sitting on chalk. Plenty of rain in the last few days 

JennyJ

Seed will need regular rain or watering for the rest of the summer to get it established. and it's also not easy to mow the existing grass without disturbing the new shoots. TBH I would leave overseeding until autumn.

jeffers71

Ok I’ll leave the over seed. What about aeration, weed & feed and sharp sand ? What order / time frame ?

JennyJ

Aerate and brush in sharp sand if the ground is compacted - I find it hard work so I don't do it if it's not needed, which means I only do the higher-traffic areas - the strip under the washing line and the route to the compost bin. You can use feed & weed any time in spring/summer when the grass is growing well and it will get watered/rained in at the appropriate time - check the instructions on the box. You might also need the grass blades to be dry but again check on the box. Be careful not to overdose or overlap strips. If anything it's better to apply a little less than the instructions say than too much. We get many posts on here from people whose grass has gone black in patches from too much feed & weed or uneven application.

Hope that helps, and sorry it's a bit long-winded.