66 June 2019 http://www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Feature
Emma Thompson
Step-by-step images
Wickes
Lay down turf for
a flawless lawn
without the wait
masterclass
D
o you yearn for a luscious green
lawn but don’t have the time
to grow one from seed? Turf is
a really fantastic option: healthy, fully
grown grass is harvested into manageable-
sized rolls, ready to be laid in your
garden. Enriching the soil beforehand
will give the turf the best start in its new
home and, after a few weeks of treading
carefully around it, you’ll be able to enjoy
it for years to come!DIY
You’ll neeD
Essential l spade l garden rake l garden
fork l fertiliser l turf rolls l scaffold board
l topsoil l long knife or hacksaw
Usefull turf cutter l rotavator l soil
improver l spirit leveln Prepare your soil to ensure the turf will be able to
get the water and nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Firstly, remove all of the old lawn using a spade or
turf cutter.
n Turn over the earth with a spade to a depth of
10cm-15cm; a rotavator would make quicker work
of large areas. [1] Rake away clods of earth and
remove weeds and debris, then spread a layer
of soil improver if needed and work it in with
a garden fork. Repeat with lawn-establishment
fertiliser.
n Firm up the soil and remove air pockets by
walking across it with your weight on your heels.
[2] Check that it’s level and go over any raised
areas again.
n Gently pull a garden rake over the surface [3]
until there are no large clumps remaining and the
soil resembles large breadcrumbs – this is often
referred to as creating a ‘fine tilth’ and will ensure
the turf is able to grow roots deep into the soil
with no barriers.
n Water the soil so that it is moist, dark and cool
but not soaking wet. This will help encourage
rooting.New lawns need a lot of watering;
collecting rainwater will be kinder on the
environment and reduce your water bills210l water butt with stand, £35, B&QTurf provides you with an instantly
green lawn, versus 6-12 months to grow
one from seedRolawn Medallion grass turf rolls,
£6.99 per sq m, WickesFrom FertIle grounD
top tip
Measure the area of your new
lawn in square metres, then order
about five per cent extra turf for
cutting and contingencies.ss1
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