Mid-Spring Lawn Care is the key to a thriving summer lawn. As October unfolds, lawns across South Africa shift from the slow growth of early spring to a rapid greening phase. This is the ideal moment to give your grass the care it needs to stay lush through summer – especially when using TurboGrass®, Kynoch’s fast-acting lawn fertiliser.

Mowing and Edging

As temperatures rise, your lawn’s growth accelerates. Raise the mowing height slightly during mid‑spring to about 3–4 cm for kikuyu and Bermuda and 4–5 cm for buffalo. Longer grass shades the soil, conserving moisture and discouraging weeds. Remove no more than one‑third of the leaf blade at each mowing to avoid stressing the grass. Edge along driveways, paths and flower beds to create a crisp border that makes your lawn look neat and professional.

Feeding with TurboGrass®

Warm‑season lawns benefit from a mid‑spring feed to fuel their growth spurt. TurboGrass® is formulated with a high nitrogen content and balanced phosphorous and potassium, plus micronutrients like magnesium and iron for deep greening. Unlike some fertilizers, TurboGrass® has controlled‑release nitrogen that feeds your lawn for several weeks without causing “burn”.  Apply 25g – 30g per square meter evenly across the lawn after mowing. Water thoroughly after application to activate the nutrients. Within a week your grass will look noticeably greener and thicker. If you apply more fertilizer, you will need to water more regularly.

For new lawns or overseeded patches, mix KynoGarden® into the top layer of soil before sowing seed. The nutrients support germination and root establishment. If you notice bare spots, lightly scarify the area, scatter seed of the same grass type, and cover with a thin layer of compost mixed with KynoGarden®. Keep the area moist until new shoots appear.

Watering Wisely

Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent, shallow sprinkles. Aim to apply about 20–25 mm of water once or twice a week, depending on weather and soil type. Sandy soils drain quickly and may require more frequent watering, while clay soils hold moisture longer. Early morning is the best time to water; less moisture is lost to evaporation, and foliage dries quickly, reducing disease risk. Use a rain gauge or a simple straight‑sided container to measure how much water your sprinkler applies.

Weed and Pest Control

Healthy, vigorous lawns naturally resist weeds, but mid‑spring is when many annual weeds germinate. Hand‑weed small areas regularly or use a selective herbicide designed for your grass type if weeds are widespread. Avoid using broad‑spectrum herbicides after fertilizing – give the lawn a week to absorb nutrients. Check for common pests such as lawn caterpillars and white grubs. If patches of grass turn yellow or die back suddenly, inspect under the thatch. Treat infestations early using biological or targeted controls.

What to Look Out For

• Nutrient deficiencies – Pale, yellowing grass may indicate a lack of nitrogen or iron. TurboGrass contains both, but if symptoms persist after feeding, test your soil and amend accordingly.
• Compaction – Heavy foot traffic or clay soils can compact the ground, restricting root growth. If water pools on the surface after rain, aerate the lawn using a garden fork or mechanical aerator. Follow up with a light application of KynoGarden® or fine compost.
• Water restrictions – In areas with water restrictions, focus on improving soil structure with organic matter to increase water‑holding capacity. Mow higher and mulch clippings to shade the soil. Some root vegetables and greens harvested in October, such as beetroot, spinach and cabbage, are more tolerant of dry conditions, so plan your garden accordingly.

Questions and Answers

Q: How often should I apply TurboGrass in spring and summer?
A: Apply TurboGrass once in mid‑spring and again in early summer. The controlled‑release nitrogen feeds the lawn for about 6–8 weeks. Avoid fertilising during extreme heat or drought stress. If you want to fertilizer more regularly, you can, you just need to water well with every application and weekly to keep it maintained if no rain.

Q: Why is my lawn patchy even after feeding?
A: Patchiness can result from uneven fertilizer application, compaction, shade, pests, insects or dog urine burns. Spread fertilizer evenly, aerate compacted areas, trim overhanging branches to improve light and repair burnt patches by reseeding.

Q: Can I use TurboGrass on cool‑season lawns?
A: Yes. TurboGrass provides balanced nutrients suitable for cool‑season grasses like ryegrass or fescue, but adjust the application rate (around 25-30 g per square meter) and avoid feeding during hot spells. Water well after application.

Q: Do I need to water immediately after fertilizing?
A: Yes. Watering dissolves the fertilizer granules and moves nutrients into the root zone. Without water, granules can burn the leaf blades. If rain is forecast within 24 hours, you can allow rainfall to do the job.

By taking a proactive approach to lawn care in mid‑spring, you’ll set your grass up for success during the hotter months. Mow correctly, feed with TurboGrass, water wisely and address weeds and compaction promptly. With a little attention now, you’ll be able to enjoy a lush, resilient lawn all summer long – the perfect backdrop for family gatherings and lazy afternoons outdoors.