Monty Don, the renowned British gardening expert and BBC Gardeners' World presenter, has issued a crucial warning for July: always collect grass clippings and never leave them on the lawn. While summer warmth accelerates grass growth, Don explains that leaving clippings behind not only looks unsightly but also harms future plant displays.
The Danger of Leaving Grass Clippings
In his July blog post, Don emphasizes that all spring-flowering bulbs must have completely died back before cutting long grass. He states: "All Spring-flowering bulbs should have completely died back so that long grass can be cut without affecting their display next year." At Longmeadow, his two-acre private garden, Don often waits until August to cut wildflower meadows to ensure seeds have set. However, by the end of July, most meadows can be safely trimmed.
Don stresses the importance of removing every piece of grass: "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." Adding nutrients to the soil via clippings may seem beneficial, but it actually reduces wildflower diversity by encouraging grass growth at the expense of flowers.
Best Practices for Mowing in July
According to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, mowing should only occur when both the grass and soil are dry. Wet conditions lead to soil compaction, mower damage, and clumping clippings that smother the lawn. The magazine advises mowing fortnightly in early spring and autumn, and weekly during summer. With milder winters due to climate change, occasional winter cuts may also be necessary.
Don's advice underscores a simple but vital rule: always collect clippings to maintain a healthy, blooming garden year after year.
