As the warm weather continues, moss can start to grow on your lawn but one woman has shared a genius hack to get rid of it – and you likely have some in your cupboard
Nothing beats a lush green lawn for setting up a sun lounger or firing up the barbecue in the summer, but beware – the heat stress can invite moss to encroach if you’re not vigilant. Moss tends to seize garden turf during warm spells by exploiting areas where grass is sparse, parched, or under strain due to insufficient hydration.
It’s crucial to exercise caution when using chemical moss treatments in the summertime, as many can singe the grass and inflict further harm if not applied properly. However, Cathy, an avid gardener and the brains behind Catrina’s Garden, has revealed that there’s a natural solution to banish moss, and chances are it’s already in your cupboard – all you need is a bit of baking soda.
How to remove moss from lawns
Baking soda’s high absorbency will suck the moisture out of moss, desiccating its protective waxy coating.
Simply blend three tablespoons of baking soda with a litre of water, then douse the moss directly with the mixture, reports the Express.
Ensure you choose a scorching, dry day for the baking soda treatment, as the moss, parched from lack of moisture, will die quickly.
After a few days, the moss should turn brown and brittle, making it easy to pick up and dispose of correctly.
Preventing the return of moss
Cathy advised: “If you must grow grass in that spot, you need to look at the reasons why grass won’t grow there. Don’t try and kill the moss. Instead try and make the grass grow better.”
Moss typically thrives on lawns that are in poor health, where the grass is too feeble to outcompete it. To banish this squishy pest for good, you’ll need to tackle the root of the problem.
The most frequent culprit is overly compacted soil beneath your grass, necessitating lawn aeration to loosen up the ground using a garden fork.
Another solution is to scarify your lawn, a straightforward gardening technique involving a rake to clear away any dead organic matter atop the grass that could be suffocating your lawn.
Excessive moisture accumulation on the lawn can also lead to moss growth, which isn’t usually a major concern in summer. However, both aeration and scarification can enhance water drainage.
The third primary cause of mossy lawns is high acidity levels in the soil. Conducting a soil test and then fertilising the grass with compost can help restore its health.
By taking the time to inspect and care for your lawn this summer, you can ensure it remains lush, vibrant green and free from moss.
