All Year Long: How to Mulch with Your Mower
The first lawn cut of the year should be on or around March 18th, and we know that you'll be eager to get your lawn looking great for the start of the year. You can find some great tips for that here. All the summer long, you'll keep your lawn prim, prime and proper till the damp, darker days of autumn come around once more and the leaves start to fall. As autumn unfolds, gardens and lawns are often carpeted with a thick layer of fallen leaves. While these leaves can create a picturesque scene, they also pose a challenge for lawn maintenance.
However, with a lawnmower equipped with mulching capabilities, what seems like a daunting task can initially become an advantageous activity for your garden. Did you know you can mulch with your ParkerBrand lawnmower for those who don't have a leaf blower?
What is Mulching?
In short, mulching is the reintroduction of plant material (grass, leaves or wood chips, for example) to a growing surface. Dedicated gardeners know that there is a great deal of nutrition for soil in the dead matter - what are we doing but replicating natural cycles to our specific advantage? We can get that valuable carbon and nitrogen back precisely where it is needed, ultimately giving you a beautifully vibrant lawn and, in this case, feeding your lawn. You can find some great tips for mulching generally here.
When leaves are mulched, they break down and decompose, gradually releasing these nutrients along with phosphorus and potassium back into the soil. This natural fertilization process can significantly enhance the fertility of your lawn, promoting lush and vibrant grass growth WITHOUT the need for chemical fertilisers. This is better for the world in general - and better for your pocket! In 2024 that only be a good thing. Let's work with nature, not contrary to it, and save money to boot.
Furthermore, it reduces the amount of garden waste that needs to be disposed of, potentially lowering municipal waste collection costs and decreasing the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Naturally Enhancing Soil Health
The process of mulching leaves with a lawnmower encourages the activity of beneficial soil organisms such as earthworms. These organisms play a crucial role in aerating the soil and further breaking down organic matter, which improves soil structure and health. Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy lawn, supporting robust grassroots and enhancing resistance to pests and diseases. Having excellent soil structure is the secret of successful gardening. A great gardener builds great soil; the flowers, green lawns, and vegetables seem almost secondary! Mulching builds terrific soils.
Another advantage of mulching leaves on your lawn is the suppression of weeds and dandelions. When leaves are finely mulched and distributed evenly across the lawn, they form a barrier that makes it difficult for weed seeds to reach the soil and germinate. This natural form of weed control can reduce the need for chemical herbicides, making your garden safer for both the environment and wildlife. Although it is better practice for the soil around your shrubs and veggies, it is great to use it on your lawn.
Mulching with Wet leaves
The earlier general guidance for leaf mulching primarily focuses on dry leaves and optimal working conditions with minimal breeze. However, complications may arise when dealing with damp leaves on your lawn.
Perhaps you could consider alternative mowing patterns to address the slightly challenging conditions. Most ParkerBrand self-drive machines have side discharge mulching ports, so try mowing a counterclockwise rectangle or square (mulched leaves are discharged and not recut) or clockwise (mulched leaves are discharged and recut on the next pass). To really nail it, go for a final pass over the area, mowing in rows. In this case, remove the discharge chute, insert the mulch plug, and make a second pass in rows over the mulched area.
All that said, if you have the luxury of time, wait for that moisture to evaporate a touch and then go for it!
Spring 2024: NEW Range of ParkerBrand Mowers
ParkerBrand are proud to introduce their new line of lawnmowers for 2024 which will be with us very soon. You'll find both self-drive and hand-push models available for super swift dispatch and delivery.
Naturally, you'll have the assurance of an extended two-year warranty and the services of an after-care team that really shows it cares by simply taking care of you. Imagine that! ParkerBrand: harnessing technology to deliver great products at incredible prices, with old-school care and attention.
