The pursuit of a flawless lawn, free from unsightly moss clumps and bare patches, is a common aspiration among gardeners nationwide. However, preparing your grass for summer enjoyment can be both labor-intensive and costly. Many gardeners spend hours weeding by hand or invest in expensive fertilizers that often come with a hefty price tag.
In response to these challenges, gardening experts are now advocating a simple and cost-effective solution—sprinkling sugar on your lawn during the spring and summer months. This method is not only easy but also budget-friendly, promising to transform lacklustre, yellowing lawns into lush, green havens in time for summer barbecues. A bag of sugar can be purchased for as little as 89p at the supermarket.
According to gardening enthusiasts, scattering sugar on your lawn can efficiently break down thatch, the compacted layer of decaying vegetation that suffocates grass and inhibits its growth. Sugar not only enhances the nutritional value of your lawn but also helps deter weeds. Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, explained, “Weeds tend to thrive in environments with access to sunlight and moisture. By using sugar on your lawn, you can make it less hospitable for these weeds. Sugar helps break down thatch, the layer of dead grass and other organic material that accumulates over time.”
Bill Glaser, manager at Outstanding Foods, which specializes in plant-based products, has also endorsed this sweet technique. He suggests using sugar to encourage lush grass growth by breaking down thatch that can strangle new sprouts. However, he advises against overusing it, recommending an application once a month. He added, “[Sugar] allows the grass to overtake invasive plant species. Some sources suggest replacing harsh fertilizers with rice water for more consistent application.”
Tom Monson, from Monson Lawn and Landscaping, supports the use of sugar but warns of the potential for damaging fungal growth, especially in lawns with little sunlight. He explained, “Sugar causes the grass’s roots to intake more nitrogen from the soil, which can boost your lawn’s greenness. However, sugar also promotes fungal growth, so it’s important to inspect your lawn regularly to ensure there is no excess fungal activity.”
For those eager to try this sugary solution, experts recommend applying approximately 450g of standard granulated white sugar per 10 square meters of lawn. This amount should be sufficient to achieve the desired results.
