Monty Don Issues Urgent Warning: The One Lawn Mistake That Could Ruin Your Garden!

As spring nears, renowned gardening expert Monty Don has cautioned gardeners against a common mowing mistake. The British horticulturist and TV presenter emphasizes that the first major task of the season is mowing the lawn—but it must be done correctly.

Writing on his blog, Monty advises: “The grass will need mowing in March, but avoid cutting it too short. Instead, give it a light trim throughout the month. This helps promote strong root growth, resulting in healthier grass that can better withstand summer drought.”

As the weather improves and dry conditions become more frequent, many gardeners may feel tempted to cut their lawns to a neat, summer-like length. However, Monty warns that this could be a crucial misstep. While some prefer their lawns to be uniformly short and manicured, allowing the grass to grow slightly longer benefits both the ecosystem and local wildlife.

“Don’t scalp your lawns,” Monty Don urged in his latest mowing advice. He emphasized the importance of limiting mowing as much as possible, sharing his own approach: “In our garden, we’ve reduced it to just mown paths through the long grass.”

Regardless of personal preferences for lawn maintenance, Monty advised gardeners to resist the urge to cut grass down to its midsummer height too soon. “Set the blades high and give the grass a light trim for the first few weeks—more to even it out than to reduce its length,” he explained.

The grass height should only be gradually reduced as the weather warms and the lawn strengthens. Meanwhile, lawn clippings can be added to compost, but Monty recommends mixing them with dry, brown materials like straw or cardboard to prevent excessive moisture and unpleasant odors.

Monty Don acknowledged that gardens often endure harsh winter conditions, facing heavy rainfall and adverse weather that can leave lawns looking worn and neglected by spring. However, with the right care, they can be revitalized.

The TV gardening expert has previously recommended aerating the lawn with a fork to improve drainage and encourage strong root growth. Additionally, he suggests scarifying to remove moss and thatch, as well as feeding the lawn with a nutrient-rich mixture of topsoil, sand, and leaf mold.

For colder days when overnight frost sets in, Monty advises avoiding walking on the lawn until the frost has fully melted to prevent damage to the grass.

Tips for Buying a Suitable Lawn Mower

Choosing the right type of lawn mower is crucial, as different mowers are designed for specific lawn sizes and terrains. Manual reel mowers are best for small, flat lawns and require physical effort but are eco-friendly and quiet.

Push lawn mowers, available in gas or electric options, are a great choice for small to medium lawns, offering ease of use but requiring manual effort. Self-propelled mowers, on the other hand, reduce the workload by driving themselves forward, making them ideal for medium to large lawns and sloped terrain.

For larger properties, riding lawn mowers offer comfort and efficiency, covering more ground in less time. Zero-turn mowers provide high maneuverability, making them perfect for navigating around trees and flower beds, while robotic lawn mowers automate the process for those who prefer a hands-free approach to lawn maintenance.

2. Power Source

Lawn mowers come with different power sources, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Gas-powered mowers are the most powerful option, making them ideal for thick grass and large yards, but they require fuel, produce noise, and emit fumes.

Electric corded mowers are quieter and eco-friendly, but their mobility is limited by the length of the power cord. Cordless battery-powered mowers offer a great balance between convenience and quiet operation, though they have limited battery life, which may require additional batteries for larger lawns. Manual reel mowers require no power at all, making them the most environmentally friendly option, but they demand more physical effort and are not suitable for tough grass.

3. Cutting Width and Height Adjustment

The cutting width of a lawn mower determines how much grass it can cut in a single pass. A wider cutting deck (20-30 inches) means fewer passes are needed, saving time and effort. However, smaller decks offer better maneuverability, especially in yards with obstacles.

Adjustable cutting heights are another important feature, as they allow you to control the length of the grass. Keeping grass slightly longer in early spring helps encourage healthy root development, while shorter grass is preferable during peak growing seasons.

4. Terrain and Lawn Size

The size and layout of your yard significantly impact your choice of lawn mower. For small, flat yards, manual or electric push mowers are cost-effective and easy to handle. If your lawn has slopes or uneven terrain, a self-propelled mower will make mowing easier by reducing the effort needed to push it uphill.

For large yards, riding mowers or zero-turn mowers are the most efficient, covering more ground in less time. Zero-turn mowers are especially useful for yards with obstacles like trees and flower beds, as they allow for sharp turns and precise mowing.

5. Grass Disposal Options

How a mower handles grass clippings is another factor to consider. Bagging mowers collect the clippings, leaving the lawn looking neat and tidy, but they require frequent emptying. Mulching mowers cut the grass into fine pieces and return them to the lawn as natural fertilizer, promoting healthy growth.

Side discharge mowers spread the cut grass to the side, which can be useful in large yards where frequent emptying of a bag isn’t practical. Some models offer multiple disposal options, giving you flexibility based on your lawn care needs.

6. Durability and Maintenance

A mower’s durability depends on the quality of its components. Stainless steel blades last longer and provide a cleaner cut, while strong engine power ensures better performance, especially for tougher grass. Gas-powered mowers typically require more maintenance, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleaning.

Electric and battery-powered mowers require less maintenance, though battery life and motor wear should be considered. Checking for easily available replacement parts and service options is also important for long-term use.

7. Noise Level

Noise levels vary significantly depending on the mower type. Gas-powered mowers are the loudest, often requiring ear protection, while electric and battery-powered mowers are much quieter, making them a better option for residential areas where noise restrictions may apply. Manual reel mowers are the quietest of all, producing no engine noise, which can be a great choice for those who prefer a peaceful mowing experience.

8. Storage Space

Before purchasing a mower, it’s essential to consider where you will store it. Small garages or sheds may not accommodate large riding mowers or zero-turn mowers, so a foldable or compact design might be a better option.

Electric and battery-powered mowers often take up less space than gas mowers, which require additional storage for fuel and maintenance tools. If storage is limited, some mowers have vertical storage features, allowing them to be stored upright to save space.

9. Price and Budget

Lawn mowers vary widely in price, so it’s important to set a budget based on your needs. Manual reel mowers are the most affordable, typically costing between $50 and $150. Push mowers, whether gas or electric, range from $150 to $500. Self-propelled mowers, offering more convenience, cost between $300 and $1,000.

Riding mowers and zero-turn mowers are significantly more expensive, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on features and power. Robotic mowers, which provide automation, range from $800 to $3,000. Investing in a mower that suits your lawn size and long-term needs can save money in maintenance and replacements.

10. Brand and Warranty

Choosing a reputable brand ensures better performance and reliability. Brands like Honda, Husqvarna, John Deere, Toro, Ryobi, Craftsman, Greenworks, and EGO have proven track records for durability and quality.

Checking the warranty period is also essential; most reputable brands offer warranties ranging from 2 to 5 years, covering engine and parts defects. Reading customer reviews and checking after-sales service options can help ensure a smooth purchasing experience.