Gardening expert Monty Don has shared practical advice for reviving patchy lawns.
He says that now is the "perfect" time to take action, following a summer of record-breaking heat that has left grass across the UK dry and brittle.
As temperatures cool and soil stays warm, September offers ideal conditions for lawn recovery, but Mr Don warns that simply scattering grass seed on bare patches isn’t enough.
On his website, Mr Don said: "If it is just a worn area of thin grass, rake away all thatch and moss and remove all weeds and thinly scatter grass seed, watering well and keeping it damp.
"The seed should germinate and grow in days."
Raking, also known as scarifying, helps remove thatch and moss, improving soil contact for new seeds and promoting better water absorption.
This simple step can make a big difference.
Many lawns have stopped growing due to the summer heat, leaving thin areas vulnerable to moss growth.
Moss competes with grass for nutrients and becomes a bigger problem in damp autumn weather.
Thatch, a layer of dead grass beneath the surface, also blocks new seeds from reaching the soil and taking root.
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Scarifying breaks up this layer, giving grass a better chance to grow.
Mr Don’s advice offers hope for gardeners hoping to restore their lawns before winter sets in, reminding them that a little preparation can lead to noticeable results.
With cooler weather on the way, now is the ideal time to give your lawn a fresh start.
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