Spring and early summer are the most important months for your lawn. After a cold, wet winter, grass needs a boost to recover, thicken up, and see off moss and weeds — and keeping that momentum going into June makes all the difference to how your lawn looks all summer. Here's a straightforward guide to feeding your lawn from March through to early summer. Not sure what else to be doing in the garden right now? Check out our month-by-month sowing guide.
When Should You Start Feeding?
The ideal time to begin is mid-March to April, once soil temperatures have risen above 5°C and grass is actively growing. In practice, this usually means waiting until you've mowed at least once or twice.
If you're reading this in May or June — don't worry, it's not too late. Feeding now will still deliver strong results and set your lawn up well for the summer months ahead.
Tip: Push a finger an inch into the soil — if it feels cold, wait another week or two before feeding.
Step 1: Deal With Moss First (Spring)
Before feeding, tackle any moss that's built up over winter. Feeding over moss just feeds the moss too.
A combined moss killer and lawn food like Miracle-Gro Evergreen Mosskill With Lawn Food 80m² does both jobs in one application — ideal for moderate moss coverage. For heavier infestations, Miracle-Gro Natural 4 in 1 Feed, Weed & Mosskiller 85m² is a great organic-based option.
Step 2: Choose the Right Feed
Not all lawn feeds are equal. Here's a quick guide:
- Granular feeds are easy to apply with a spreader and release nutrients steadily. Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Lawn Food 360m² is an excellent organic option for larger lawns.
- Water-soluble feeds work faster and are great for a quick green-up. Try Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food 1kg dissolved in a watering can or hose-end feeder.
- Seaweed-based feeds are gentler and ideal for stressed or newly laid lawns. Miracle-Gro 2 in 1 Nourish & Protect Seaweed Lawn Food 80m² is a popular choice.
Step 3: Repair Bare Patches
Spring through early summer is the perfect time to overseed thin or bare areas. Apply seed after feeding, keep it watered, and avoid mowing new growth until it's established.
Westland PureGreen Lawn Seed 20m² is a reliable all-rounder for patching and overseeding.
Step 4: Improve Soil Health for Long-Term Results
If your lawn struggles year after year, the issue may be in the soil. Westland Sulphate of Iron 1.5kg acidifies the soil slightly, discourages moss, and deepens the green colour. Westland Sulphate of Ammonia 1.5kg gives a quick nitrogen boost for rapid greening. For a longer-term soil boost, pairing feeds with a good compost can make a real difference — see our complete guide to choosing the right compost.
May & June: Keeping the Momentum Going
Once your lawn is fed and recovering, the focus shifts to maintaining growth and colour through the warmer months. Key tips for May and June:
- Feed every 6–8 weeks through the growing season — don't let the lawn run out of nutrients as temperatures rise.
- Water granular feeds in if no rain is forecast within 48 hours, to avoid scorching.
- Switch to a balanced summer feed if you applied a high-nitrogen spring feed earlier — this supports steady, resilient growth rather than a soft flush that's prone to disease.
- Keep mowing regularly but raise the blade slightly in dry spells to reduce stress on the grass.
- Water newly fed areas during dry spells — even a light watering helps activate granular feeds and prevents the grass from drying out before nutrients are absorbed.
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Lawn Food 360m² works well as a repeat feed through summer, as its organic formula releases nutrients gradually without risk of scorching.
Quick Lawn Care Checklist: Spring to Early Summer
- ✅ Wait until grass is actively growing (soil temp above 5°C)
- ✅ Scarify or rake out dead moss and thatch
- ✅ Apply moss killer if needed
- ✅ Feed with an appropriate spring or all-season lawn food
- ✅ Overseed bare patches
- ✅ Water in granular feeds if no rain forecast
- ✅ Water newly fed areas during dry spells
- ✅ Repeat feed every 6–8 weeks through summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed my lawn in wet weather?
Yes — light rain after applying a granular feed is actually helpful, as it washes the nutrients into the soil. Avoid feeding if heavy rain is forecast immediately after application, as this can wash product off the lawn before it's absorbed.
What happens if I overfeed my lawn?
Overfeeding can scorch the grass, leaving yellow or brown patches. Always follow the pack instructions and use a spreader for even coverage. If you've accidentally overapplied, water the area thoroughly to dilute the concentration.
How do I know if my lawn needs feeding?
Signs include pale or yellowing grass, slow growth after mowing, or a thin, patchy appearance. If your lawn looks dull compared to neighbours' or nearby green spaces, it's likely nutrient-deficient and will respond well to a spring feed.
Can I feed and seed at the same time?
It depends on the product. Some combined feed-and-seed products are designed for simultaneous application. If using separate products, it's generally best to feed first, then overseed a few days later once the feed has been watered in.
Is it too late to feed my lawn in May or June?
Not at all — May and June are still well within the active growing season. A feed now will green up your lawn quickly and set it up for a strong summer. Just make sure to water it in if dry weather is forecast.
Shop Lawn Care at Grasmere
Browse our full range of lawn and plant care products in store and online — from organic feeds to fast-acting granulars, we stock everything you need for a great-looking lawn this spring and summer.