Prepare Your Lawn for Winter: Final Mow, Remove Leaves, Apply Fertilizer
As autumn progresses, gardeners in Central Europe and Germany are keeping an eye on the weather and their lawns, preparing for the final mow before winter. The timing varies, but it typically falls between late October and mid-November.
When the time comes, it's important to set the lawn mower to about 5 to 6 centimetres, leaving the grass slightly longer than usual. This helps protect the lawn over the winter months. After the last cut, take the time to remove any fallen leaves from the lawn. This prevents them from smothering the grass and causing issues come spring 2024.
To further fortify the lawn for the cold season, apply a layer of winter lawn fertilizer. This provides essential nutrients to the grass, helping it withstand the harsh winter conditions. However, it's crucial to stop mowing once temperatures consistently dip below 5 to 8 degrees Celsius and grass growth visibly ceases. Ökotest advises fixing the lawn edge after the first early spring frost night, weather permitting.
In preparation for winter, gardeners should aim for one last mow, followed by leaf removal and winter lawn fertilizer application. It's also vital to avoid mowing on wet or frozen grass to prevent damage and disease. By taking these steps, lawns can be well-prepared to face the winter and emerge healthy in the spring.
