Monty Don, the British gardening expert and presenter of BBC Gardeners' World, has warned that a common gardening mistake—leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing—could ruin next year's display. In his July 2024 blog post, Don explained that while summer conditions encourage growth, grass clippings should always be collected and never left behind.
Why Grass Clippings Must Be Removed
Don emphasized that adding nutrients to the soil through clippings might seem beneficial but can actually have the opposite effect. He stated: "The important thing is to remove all the grass, raking up every last piece to compost so that it will not enrich the grass and thus limit next year's wild flower display." This advice is particularly crucial for those with wildflower meadows, as excess nutrients encourage grass growth at the expense of flowers.
Timing for Cutting Back
Don also advised that spring-flowering bulbs must have fully died back before long grass can be cut without harming their display the following year. He wrote: "All Spring-flowering bulbs should have completely died back so that long grass can be cut without affecting their display next year." At his own garden, Longmeadow, he often waits until August to cut back, as not all wildflowers have set seed by the end of July.
Additional Mowing Tips
According to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, mowing should only be done when the grass and soil are dry. Mowing wet ground can lead to compaction, smearing, and clumping of clippings that smother the lawn. The magazine recommends mowing fortnightly in early spring and autumn, weekly in summer, and possibly in winter due to milder climates.
Don's advice serves as a reminder that proper lawn care involves more than just regular mowing—collecting clippings is essential for a healthy garden next year.
