The lawn is one of the main aesthetic elements of a garden, knowing how to take care of it to obtain the best result was until now a difficult task, but because we are here to pass on all our knowledge, it can make the job easier for you.
If you are thinking about having a lawn, but have no idea how to carry out the entire process, this article will cover the best time to plant it, how to prepare the land for the lawn and what are the best options on the market for the climate. and exposure of your space.
What options exist for your lawn?
If you have decided to have or rejuvenate your lawn, know first and foremost that you need to consider the use you will give to that area, whether it will be just an ornamental space or, on the contrary, a leisure and play area for the little ones and for that There are several options available for each type of use, sun exposure and surrounding climate.
Locations with good sun exposure
At the plantation site, if sun exposure is longer than 6 hours, it is easier to obtain a beautiful green cloth without major problems during the different seasons. If this is the case, you can opt for an immediate result by installing a grass carpet that already incorporates a variety of seeds that guarantee the sustainability and aesthetics of the lawn throughout the year.
If, on the other hand, you opt for sowing, it will also be a good alternative in this case, and you will probably find options for sale on the market with a mixture of seeds and not exclusive formats of a single species. This happens because the mixture of several species provides a greater ability to adapt to adverse conditions, such as pests, diseases and seasonal changes, making the lawn appear healthy throughout the year.
Locations with reduced sun exposure
Sowing or planting grass in places with reduced sun exposure requires an appropriate type of seed, as in this type of case the lawn in this area tends to have a lower plant density. If you want to sow where the sun does not shine directly, buy a mixture of grass seeds that complement each other based on red and sheep fescue. There are also other types of grass, such as ofiopogão, which is planted foot by foot and develops and reaches its best splendor precisely in the shade.
When is the best time to plant a lawn?
Now that you are more prepared by knowing the best alternatives for your lawn, it is time to understand the best time of year to plant a lawn, as the season will significantly determine its development and not all periods are good for the growth of this vegetation.
In the Mediterranean climate in which Portugal is located, the ideal times are Spring and the beginning of Autumn, as almost all vegetation develops during these periods, which are considered germination. By sowing in autumn, growth tends to be more responsive as the soil is still warm from the summer. By deciding to plant in spring, the germination and growth period may be longer.
If you live in the coastal area of the country, sowing can be done during a longer planting period as the ocean tends to cool temperatures and bring more precipitation, factors that favor the germination and establishment of the lawn.
Preparing the ground for the lawn
For the germination or development of the lawn to be successful, it is essential to prepare the land in advance. Issues related to soil, watering and natural fertilizers are fundamental to creating a good base for germination or laying down an impeccable lawn.- Analyzing the soil
- The first task you must perform when preparing the land to plant your lawn is precisely to analyze the soil. And at this point, there are three factors that we consider to be essential for the success and durability of the work carried out: Drainage, pH and the need for substrates, topsoil and/or organic fertilizers to enrich the soil with nutrients.
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- Drainage
- Speaking of the first factor, drainage is an essential requirement for the correct development of the lawn. If the land has good drainage, that is, it absorbs water well, it prevents waterlogging and negative consequences for the lawn, such as root rot and diseases related to excessive water. There are some solutions, such as adding river sand, installing a drainage system and also creating an area of land for sanitation boxes or another area where water is important or necessary.
- Soil pH
- Grass growth and density can be negatively affected when this factor is not controlled. The ideal pH for a lawn is slightly acidic and should vary between 5.5 and 6.5. To control this factor, you should add limestone to your lawn at least once a year. The dose depends on the type of soil, when it is more sandy you need more quantity compared to clay, but the dose is normally around 60 grams per square meter.
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If you would like to carry out a soil analysis of your space or land, contact us here .
- After plowing the land and unpacking the soil for sowing or laying the carpet, you must fertilize the soil so that it has the amount of nutrients necessary to support beautiful and resistant grass.
- Always choose to use organic fertilizers, ideally composed in part based on sweet beetroot extracts, which encourage the proliferation of life in your lawn, thus providing the necessary nutrients to the soil and not harming groundwater.
- After completing these stages, what you have to do is level the ground, spread the seeds evenly or lay the carpet and water until it is well established. Minimize and avoid trampling as much as possible for at least the first few weeks and ensure that the first cuts you make to the grass are not too short. You now have all the information you need to create a beautiful, long-lasting lawn in your garden! This must pay close attention to watering and its frequency.
- To learn more about how to effectively water your garden click on this article .