Kent has milder winters than most of the UK, which means the grass here keeps growing for longer, sometimes right into late November. That’s why neighbours in Sandwich and Deal often tell us their lawns need “one more cut” when their friends further north have already packed the mower away.
The golden rule
Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cut more and you’ll stress the lawn, starve the roots and invite in weeds.
Spring, March to May
Start mowing in late March, once the grass is actively growing. Your first cut of the year should be on the highest setting, just knock the tops off. After that, mow every 1–2 weeks, gradually dropping the blade.
- Wait until the grass is dry enough to walk on without leaving prints.
- Aim for morning or early afternoon, not late evening when dew is settling.
- Give the edges a tidy with a strimmer for a properly finished look.
Summer, June to August
Peak season. Most Kent lawns need a weekly mow. In a hot, dry spell, raise the blade and mow less often so the grass keeps its length and holds onto moisture, this is what stops that yellow, scorched look in July and August.
- Leave short clippings on the lawn, they’re free nitrogen feed.
- Collect long or wet clippings instead of leaving them to smother the grass.
- Change the direction of your mow each time to avoid wear marks.
Autumn, September to October
Growth slows, so drop to every 2–3 weeks. Give the lawn a gentle rake to clear leaves, a thick leaf layer blocks light and holds damp against the grass, which is how moss gets in.
Winter, November to February
Rarely mow. If you do, only when:
- The grass is long enough to actually need it
- It’s dry, never mow wet, frosted or waterlogged grass
- The temperature is above 5°C
Around here, a mild December in Sandwich or Sandwich Bay can mean one final tidy-up before Christmas, but most winters, the mower stays in the shed.
Things to watch out for
- Blade height, cutting too low stresses the grass and invites weeds.
- Sharp blades, dull blades tear rather than cut, leaving a ragged finish.
- Weather, don’t mow in frost, heavy rain or blazing sun.
- Pattern, change your mowing direction each time to avoid ruts.
- Debris, always do a quick walk over first for stones, toys and garden bits.
Prefer we do it?
We mow lawns across Sandwich, Deal, Worth, Ash, Woodnesborough, Eastry and Sandwich Bay. Most front-and-back lawns are £20. Get in touch and we’ll pop round.