Autumn Lawn Dressing

[derrynoose]

Can anyone advise me of the correct fertiliser to sow in autumn on a large lawn. I would like the chemical make -up please in case I am unable to obtain any named fertiliser.Thanks.

[Thunderbird+]

Hi derrynoose,
Make sure you choose a fertiliser specificly for autumn use such as 'Levington autumn extra lawn food' which is a weed and feed treatment. it should contain: Ferrous sulphate to kill moss and also plant nutrients, NPK
Nitrogen (N)
Phosforus (P)
Potasium (K)
7% of each.
Be sure not to exeed the stated coverage.

You may later wish to top dress your lawn after it's been spiked. The ratio will vary depending on the nature of you soil ei- heavy clay- 1 part peat, 2 parts loam, 4 parts sand.
Loamy soil- 1 part peat 4 parts loam 2 parts sand.
Light sandy soil- 2 parts peat, 4 parts loam, 1 part sand.
PS use only hoticultral sand that is lime free.
This should have it looking great next spring! Good Luck. Tbird+

[ceejay123]

Please do NOT apply any peat to the lawn.
The previous answer was very good and accurate enough but peat is NOT a good medium to add to a lawn via a top dressing. Just use a good sandy soil and you will be o k

[Thunderbird+]

I stand by what I recomended in my earlier answer.
I included peat as an important ingredient in top dressing for it's moisture holding capacity, this will especially improve a light sandy soil and has been used by profesional groundsmen and greenkeepers the world over for centries.
However there are peat free substitutes and alternatives available which are more environmentally friendly if you prefer, maybe I should have said that before. All the Best.