The annual No Mow May is upon us, and now is the time to ditch your mowing lawn For this month – and beyond, if you can.
Participating in this crucial annual campaign is essential for our pollinators, who need all the help they can get. Whether you stop mowing your entire lawn or keep it strip-free, weed will begin to appear, especially if we have warm weather. This may be inappropriate for those of us who like our gardens to look neat and tidy. ‘No move is great for WildlifeBut weed If you do nothing you can soon have the upper hand,’ says Julien Palframand, head of the plant. British Garden Centres.
We spoke to our gardening experts to find out how we can Control weeds And Get rid of them quickly. While still participating in this important good cause.
1. Determine what the ‘weed’ problem is
(Image credit: Future plc/Lizzy Orme Photography Ltd)
What is weed to some may not be weed to others… so establishing what you feel is the first port of call.
‘Not all “weeds” are necessarily considered a problem,’ says Tim Clapp, head of the range and a qualified botanist. Verve. ‘Plants such as clover, daisies, self-heal and dandelions provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, especially at times when food sources can fluctuate.’
This can also improve essential ‘weeding’ Soil health By fixing nitrogen or adding organic matter. ‘The focus should be on managing more aggressive or invasive weeds such as docks, thistles, nettles and bindweed – these can quickly take over and out-compete other plants,’ adds Tim.
2. Get mulching
(Image credit: Alamy)
A good yet natural suppressant mulchingwhich works by blocking light while feeding the area.
‘Applying a layer of well-rotted organic matter such as compost, bark mulch around plants and in bare soil helps reduce weed growth,’ advises Tim. ‘It also improves moisture retention and soil structure over time, making it easier to manage the bed with less sustained effort.’
Richard Barker, Horticulturist LBS Horticulture, Agrees, ‘This will kill the weeds and prevent them from sprouting. You can add to this by laying down sheets of cardboard before applying a layer of mulch on top, as the cardboard will naturally decompose over time.’
RocketGro Organic Magic Mulch is chemical-free and eco-friendly, £28.47 for 50 litres, Amazon. It has good reviews and is known to suppress weeds up to 95% while retaining soil moisture.
RocketGrow
Organic Magic Mulch – 50 L
3. Back to basics
(Image credit: Future PLC / Poly Alts)
Remove weeds naturally Always better than reaching for chemicals. ‘Hand pulling is still the best weapon, especially on any flower or seed,’ suggests Julian. ‘Pull them up now, and you’ll save yourself the trouble later.’
Tim agrees, ‘Traditional hand tools also remain the most effective options. For example, draw hoses are ideal for cutting weeds established below the surface, and dutch hoses are best for regular, light weeding – cutting young growth in dry conditions so it dries quickly.’
We especially love the Dutch Hoe because the long handle is great for saving our backs! The Spear & Jackson design is currently £15 at Argos and has great reviews. It is lightweight and comes with a mirror-polished double-edged blade that makes it very efficient.
Shopping Essentials for No Move May
Dwarf Meadow Wildflower Seeds, 20 g
For more low-key meadows, this dwarf blend is a pollinator’s paradise and is packed with 100% premium wildflower seeds, no fillers.
Bolo and Jackson
A weed puller in red
This clever tool has rust-resistant stainless steel claws that penetrate the soil to reach the roots deep inside your lawn.
Miracle Grow Evergreen Complete 4 in 1 Lawn Care Feed, 80m2
Give your lawn healthy growth with this Miracle Grow formula that will support it year-round and help prevent weeds.
4. Keeping organized
(Image credit: Future plc)
Topping off your lawn will help no end – especially if it has a neat edge. Lucy Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert Easy irrigation in the garden, ‘It will make it look professionally maintained, so even if you don’t mow your lawn in May, this shows you care,’ explains. Sharp edges also help reduce the chance of grass spreading into your garden borders, where it will compete with your plants for moisture and nutrients.’
According to Julian, you don’t need to go too crazy, ‘a bit of light tidying keeps the garden from looking abandoned and weeds taking over. It’s all about letting things get a little wild while still maintaining some control.’
If you like traditionally styled tools, then consider Iron edge with Greenman ash handle and stainless steel blade, £24.33, from Amazon. Have a large lawn that needs extra help with edging? B&Q’s Flymo Contour 9669523-01 Electric Corded Grass Trimmer, £55Has an efficient motor, and its scrubbing mode lets you reach under bushes and plants.
5. Supporting wildlife
(Image credit: Future plc/Peter. F. Chatterton)
It is imperative that however you wish to prevent weeds in your garden during No Mow May, you Support your wildlife.
Allowing, or introducing, a mixture of flowering plants to establish naturally Wildlife-friendly plantingHelps create a more resilient garden,’ says Tim. ‘These plants not only support pollinators but also attract beneficial insects that help keep pests under control. Over time, this reduces the need for intervention and creates a more balanced ecosystem in the garden.’
Tim believes in targeting key areas rather than the entire garden. For example, pathways, seating areas and high-use areas. ‘This keeps the garden functional without disturbing the areas you want to grow more naturally.’
Nectar rich flowers are perfect for this, consider lavender – bees and butterflies love it – Crocus Hidcote sells a variety of pots with prices starting from £7.99. Another option is sunflowers, which are a lot of fun to grow. This A good place to start is Russian Giant Start-A-Garden Seeds, £1.49 for 25 seeds, Thompson & Morgan.
6. Designate a zone
(Image credit: Future plc / David Giles)
If the thought of not mowing your entire lawn for a month fills you with dread, but you want to help wildlife — or you want a place for your kids to play — you can set zones.
‘One option is to mow one area of your lawn and mow the rest,’ explains Lucy. This means you can still do it wild flowers Bloom areas of your lawn to benefit from visiting pollinating insects, while at the same time continuing to use your lawn. If you haven’t mowed one section, you can always mow a different section of your lawn each week, allowing the wildflowers to grow in one. meadow But still keep a well-maintained lawn.’
Another idea is to cut a path through your lawn or get creative and create a shape. ‘For example, you can mow a spiral shape into a square lawn, so the area you mow is different from the area you leave ‘wild’. You can cut strips through your lawn, leave the strips uncut to allow wildflowers to bloom and have perfectly manicured strips on either side,” suggests Lucy.
Seedsticks
Blooming Flower Seeds Starter Kit – 30 Variety Wildflower and Cottage Garden Seed Collection
FAQs
Should you sow before No Mow May?
You probably already mowed your lawn before May, so it’s okay to do that. The main thing is Don’t cut the grass for the whole of MayAnd beyond if you can.
Why bother with No Move Me?
Right now it’s really important that we support wildlife and biodiversity everywhere – we have fewer bees than ever and with the ever-increasing use of pesticides, our pollinators are struggling.
No mow may give bees, butterflies and other key insects a chance to pollinate, and allowing wildflowers like daisies, dandelions and clover to thrive is incredibly important.
‘Letting the grass grow longer provides a more sheltered environment for insects and increases biodiversity,’ says Lucy. Follow our guide for Keep your weeds at bay During this important month, and enjoy watching the pollen bloom.
