UK Lawn Feeding Calendar: When to Feed Your Lawn
Most UK lawns need feeding around four times a year: a spring feed to kick-start growth, a summer feed for colour and resilience, an autumn feed to harden the grass, and an optional winter feed. Feed roughly every 8 to 12 weeks through the growing season and always water it in.
Feeding is the single biggest lever for a thick, green lawn, but timing matters as much as the feed itself. Use this simple UK lawn feeding calendar to know when to feed your lawn and which type of feed to reach for each season.
When should you feed your lawn in the UK?
Start in spring, around March to April, once the grass is actively growing and you have mown it a couple of times. From there, feed every 8 to 12 weeks through the growing season: spring, summer and autumn, with an optional winter feed. If you would rather not track it, a seasonal plan sends the right feed at the right time and reminds you when to apply it.
UK lawn feeding calendar by season
Spring (March to May)
As growth resumes, apply a higher-nitrogen spring lawn feed to green the lawn up and thicken it after winter. This is the most important feed of the year for most lawns.
Summer (June to August)
Switch to a steady, no-scorch summer lawn feed for colour and drought resilience. Always water it in if rain is not forecast.
Autumn (September to November)
Move to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium autumn lawn feed to harden the grass and strengthen roots before winter.
Winter (December to February)
The lawn mostly rests. An optional low-nitrogen winter lawn feed with iron protects against frost and disease and holds colour.
How often should you feed your lawn?
Every 8 to 12 weeks through the growing season is a good rule of thumb, which works out at roughly four feeds a year. Slow-release granular feeds last longer between applications. Avoid feeding a dormant or drought-stressed lawn, follow the rate on the pack, and water the feed in so the nutrients reach the roots.
MyLawn is our free lawn-care app. It builds a feeding schedule around your lawn and the season, then sends a reminder when each feed is due, so you do not have to remember. Learn more about MyLawn.
Related Mowd guides: Essential Lawn Care Calendar for UK Gardeners · the full lawn fertiliser range.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed my lawn in the UK?
- Around four times a year, roughly every 8 to 12 weeks through the growing season: spring, summer and autumn, with an optional winter feed. Slow-release feeds last longer between applications.
When should I apply the first lawn feed of the year?
- In spring, usually March to April, once the grass is actively growing and you have mown it a couple of times. This spring feed is the most important of the year.
Can I feed my lawn in winter?
- Only with a dedicated low-nitrogen winter feed, often iron-rich, to protect colour and harden the grass. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in winter, as the lawn is not growing.
How long after feeding should I wait to mow?
- Water granular feed in and leave it a few days before mowing. Always follow the timings on the pack, as they vary by product.