There is no doubt the key to your own beautiful lawn is the soil underneath it. The secret is to ensure that the pH balance of your lawn is correct . The ideal range of the pH value is between 6 and 7. This is slightly acidic.  If you find out that your lawn is too acidic then use a slight coating of lime  and if you need more acidity to balance a lawns pH then you should use sulphur. All of these are natural and so you are not damaging the environment. To test your lawn to see what pH balance it is you can either buy a pH tester from your local gardening centre or you can have it done professionally.

Aerate your lawn before you add any fertilizer . Using an ordinary garden fork and ensuring that the holes are around ten centimetres deep will help prevent compacting and also with the drainage, helping to maintain your lawn’s pH level.
Ensure your grass is suitable for your area. Locally adapted grass will be much more able to withstand the type of climate you live in . Using different types of grass, regardless of how much greener they are or thicker, will not benefit your lawn or the environment.

Mowing is best done frequently. In the Summer months mowing yoru lawn about once per week is about right.  For natural lawn care however, don’t mow too short. If you do mow too close to the ground, the soil can become dried out and the roots exposed, damaging all the hard work you have put into your lawn. The majority of grass is healthiest when it’s between 2.5 and 3 inches tall.  When you are choosing the best lawn mower make sure it has the facility to modify the cutting length.  Now if you are used to cutting shorter and this is the first time that you are trying to look after your lawn naturally, it may be a shock to have it quite so long, but remember, you are doing your lawn and your environment a favour.

Watering is best done infrequently, but deeply. If you drench your lawn in this manner, you will be encouraging the development of much stronger roots which are able to withstand periods of drought better. 

When wondering if it is time to re water, look at the grass. If it is duller and footprints stay compressed for a short while, then you can water once more. You should also aim to give your grass around one inch of water each time you are re-hydrating the grass.
As with any lawn care, the best time to water is first thing in the morning or last thing at night. This helps prevent evaporation.If you follow these tips, you will have no need to add pesticides to your lawn that can kill many beautiful insects that actually help your garden to thrive, and to top it off your lawn will be lush, green and the envy of your neighbours.

If you’re looking for a good value, electric lawnmower which is perfect for most average sized gardens – can I suggest the Bosch Rotak 40, it’s a great little mower.