Winter lawn care

There’s a lot that can be done to boost the lawn during the chilly months. Here are some handy hints from Judy Horton:

In warm, frost-free areas, feed lawns with an organic, slow-release lawn fertiliser in mid-winter and again in spring.
In cold areas, apply seaweed solution to lawns every few weeks to strengthen the grass and help it cope with frost.
Set the lawnmower a little higher so leaves are longer and better equipped for photosynthesis.
Mow leaves that have fallen on the grass and use them to mulch garden beds.
Spread iron sulfate or a commercial moss killer over mossy patches of lawn and spike with a garden fork to improve aeration.
Deal with weeds such as bindii, winter grass, cat’s ear, dandelions and creeping oxalis either by hand removal or by applying an organic herbicide.
Consider replacing worn areas with paving, beds of native plants, wildflower meadows or mulch.
Don’t worry if the leaves of buffalo and couch lawns turn bronze or purple in winter – they’ll green up again in spring.
Avoid walking on the grass when it’s very wet, or covered in frost.