Good drainage is key to a healthy lawn but as anyone who lives in the UK will know, this isn’t always easy to achieve. Frequent downpours and moisture-laden conditions mean that many lawns will become soggy and spongy in the cooler months of the year. If you have heavy clay or compacted soil, a waterlogged lawn will be more common.

Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to improve lawn drainage and prevent waterlogging from happening in the first place. Improving the health of your lawn, aerating the soil, installing drains or trenches and creating alternative water collection areas can all reduce or prevent waterlogging.

Keep reading to find out how to remedy saturated soil and how to create drier, airier conditions for your lawn grass to thrive.

What is a waterlogged lawn?

A waterlogged lawn occurs when there is more water on the surface of the lawn than it can absorb. The water displaces air particles in the soil so that the roots of grass and other plants can’t absorb oxygen and will drown if submerged for long enough.

In waterlogged gardens, pools of water will sit on the surface of the grass and drain away very slowly. Waterlogging usually happens after long periods of heavy rain and if you regularly experience a waterlogged garden, clay or highly compacted soil is likely to be part of the problem. 

At best, a waterlogged lawn will be squelchy and sticky, at worst, there will be visible pools of water that may remain on the grass for days or even weeks.

What causes waterlogged soil? 

During prolonged downpours of heavy rain, the soil becomes saturated. If the rain keeps on pouring, the soil will eventually be unable to absorb any more water, leading it to pool on the surface instead. Waterlogged soil feels soft and squishy and you’ll be able to hear the soil squelch underfoot if you walk across it.

Waterlogging is more common in clay and compacted soils as there are fewer air particles for the water to pass through. Waterlogging can also be caused by poor soil preparation before laying turf or seeding.

Why is a waterlogged lawn a problem?

Waterlogging can cause problems for your lawn for many reasons:

• Excess surface water will limit the amount of oxygen that reaches the grass roots. 
• Damp conditions will increase the growth of algae, liverwort, lichens and moss.
• Grass can be pretty tough and a few days underwater shouldn’t cause too much damage. However, long-term waterlogging may cause the grass to yellow and die, creating bare patches on the lawn.

How to fix a waterlogged lawn

Although it may seem like a daunting task, there are several ways to improve drainage in your lawn. If your garden is covered in pools of water, you might be wondering how to drain the waterlogged ground. We’ve put together a handy list of waterlogged garden solutions to help you dry out your patch once and for all.

Before you attempt the soggy lawn solutions below, you’ll need to wait for any excess water to drain away. Here’s how to drain a waterlogged lawn:

Using a tool like a garden fork to prick or slit the surface of the ground will help to improve drainage, however, you may end up causing more damage to the lawn by walking on it when it’s waterlogged than you would if you left it to drain away naturally. All of the following waterlogged garden solutions are best done once the water has soaked away.

How to improve lawn drainage and prevent waterlogging

1. Aerate the soil

If your lawn is on the smaller side, you can use a garden fork or hollow tine aerator to punch deep holes in the soil. You can use a towed aerator for larger areas. Soil aeration helps to prevent compaction, allows plants to absorb more nutrients – leading to a thicker, healthier lawn, and improves airflow, ultimately reducing the risk of waterlogging.

You can also consider airblast aeration, where compressed air is blasted into the soil in different directions from a depth of 1 metre. It’s an effective, long-lasting solution for compacted soils.

Adding sand to an aerated lawn will help to aid drainage further.

A well-aerated lawn is a healthy lawn. Image credit: @premierlawnsni

2. Improve lawn health 

It sounds obvious, but the healthier the lawn is in the first place, the less likely it is to become waterlogged and even if it does, it’ll bounce back much more quickly.

A strong, healthy lawn will play a key part in your waterlogged lawn remedy plan. Unhealthy lawns usually contain weeds, moss and bare patches. It’s essential to remove these if you have problems with soggy soil.

Use a suitable moss killer to treat any problem areas, make sure to keep your lawn regularly fertilised and overseed when necessary. A strong grass root system should help to reduce waterlogging problems in the future.

Keep lawn moss under control. Image credit: @girl_.on_.the_.go

3. Dig a soak-away trench

Digging a trench is one of the most effective ways to prevent waterlogging. Drainage trenches can be particularly useful in clay soils which are easily compacted.

Your soak-away trench will need to slope away from the garden and be at least 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Make sure you check for any pipes that might be lurking underground before you begin. You’ll need to fill the ditch with around 12 inches of brick rubble followed by 3 inches of gravel then cover it with soil.

Image credit: @colinsolman

4. Install a French drain

French drains, so-called because of an American farmer called Henry French, who wrote about them in 1959, are an effective way to divert water away from the lawn and into a drain.

To create a French drain, you’ll need to dig a trench that’s at least 18 inches deep and 9 inches wide. The trench needs to slope downwards, at least 4cm for every 2 metres of trench length. Make sure you check for any pipes that might be running underneath the soil. 

Line the trench with water-permeable landscaping fabric to prevent any plant roots from clogging up the drain. When planning your drain’s location, you’ll need to decide where the water will drain off to.

Next, fill the trench with around 3 inches of gravel, before laying a perforated pipe. Once the pipe is in position, you can cover it with a layer of landscaping fabric, before topping it up with fine gravel. You can leave the gravel showing, or cover it over with turf, depending on its location and your preference.

Make a feature of your lawn drain. Image credit: @bluecollarscholars

5. Create alternative water collection areas 

Another way to help prevent lawns from becoming submerged and soggy is to try to reduce the amount of water that flows onto it.

If you have garden structures like sheds and greenhouses, drain the water that runs off the roof and collect it in a water butt. It’ll help your grass to stay a bit drier and provide water for the plants that need it during dry spells. 

Installing permeable paths in your garden is an effective way to soak up excess water. Paths made from bark chippings or shingle will work well, or you can lay a path with permeable paving stones which allow the water to flow into the sub-base drainage layers.

Woodchip paths are a good option in waterlogged gardens. Image credit: @alderenviro

6. Plant a bog garden

An alternative way to make the most of poor draining areas in your lawn is to plant a bog garden. Bog garden plants won’t survive in badly waterlogged areas, but they will thrive in moist soils and they’re a great way to attract wildlife to your garden. If you have a patch of soil that remains damp all year round, you may not even need to use a pond liner at the base of the bog garden.

Plants such as hostas, water irises, many types of grass, astilbe and the striking cyperus are all excellent plants for a bog garden.

A bog garden can be a beautiful addition to a soggy spot. Image credit: @gail.robinson.funnell

Waterlogged grass can be fixed

Waterlogged grass can be a real problem, especially on lawns with heavy clay or badly compacted soil. Fortunately, there are several solutions for saturated soil. From ensuring your grass is as healthy as it can be to keeping to soil aerated and diverting the water away from your lawn, a boggy garden can thankfully become a thing of the past.

Tired of clay soil constantly undermining your lawn? You don’t have to put up with it, you can fix it.

In this post, we review the nagging problems of growing grass in clay soil and show you how to improve drainage in your clay soil lawn without breaking your back.

You can improve drainage in clay soil lawn in five easy steps. Start with soil conditioning to loosen up the clay particles. Next, aerate your lawn, drill holes and topdress with a mix of compost and sand. As a permanent drainage solution, you can also consider building a drain.

So, all set to get the best out of your clay soil lawn? Read on.

It is possible to grow a glorious lawn on clay soil. Image credit: @claylawn

The problem with clay soil for growing grass

From soil compaction to poor clay soil drainage and aeration, here are some common problems you’ll face with grasses for clay soil:

• Poor drainage: Clay soil doesn’t drain well. This can become a problem for your lawn grass, especially after heavy showers. If the grass sits in water for too long, the roots will slowly rot and your lawn will die out.
• Soil compaction: Clay soil can also become compacted over time. This will make it difficult for the grass roots to spread out and grow. What’s more, soil compaction will also cause waterlogging and poor drainage.
• Reduced aeration: Clay soil is so tightly packed that the roots of your grass won’t receive much air. Poor aeration will limit grass growth and affect your lawn’s overall health.
• Difficult to dig: Clay soil is also difficult to work with. You will have to labour more while digging and reseeding your clay lawn. By comparison, sandy and silty soil are a breeze to work with.
• Warms up slowly: Clay soil is bad for your winter lawn. It can take quite a long time to thaw and warm up after the cold months. This can slow your grass growth, or worse, kill it.

A clay lawn after a long, dry summer. Image credit: @melisrunning

How to improve drainage in clay soil lawns

There’s no single solution for improving drainage in clay soil lawns. You need a combination of different strategies like soil conditioning, aeration, topdressing and more. Together, these will help reduce clay compaction and give you the green and lush lawn you have worked so hard for.

1. Condition the soil

The first step to improving your clay lawn drainage is soil conditioning. Also known as liquid aeration, this process helps loosen up the top few inches of soil. It also improves soil texture, making it easier for water and nutrients to reach the grass roots.

To get started, use a liquid soil conditioner. Spray it all over your lawn. Wait for a couple of hours for the soil to soak up the solution. It will slowly break up the dense clay particles.

You can then move on to work on complementary soil improvement strategies, like aeration and topdressing.

2. Aerate your lawn

Most lawns need regular aeration for water and oxygen to move freely through the soil. But that’s not the only benefit of aeration, it also helps to break up the soil and remove plugs of clay from your lawn.

You can aerate your lawn with a garden rake or rent a petrol-powered lawn aerator. These tools will loosen up clay and compaction so that your grass roots will easily spread and grow healthy.

But remember, aeration is only part of improving turf on clay soil. You also need to amend your soil for long-term results.

3. Drill holes

Improve air flow by drilling holes in a clay lawn. Image credit: @claylawn

This might sound like a labour-intensive task, but drilling holes is a great way to fight all the clay in your lawn. It’s also much more effective than simply spreading a layer of compost over your lawn.

Start by drilling holes a few inches deep all over your lawn. You can use a large drill auger for the purpose. It will help pull out heavy and compacted clay from your lawn. Fill these holes with organic matter like compost or kitchen scraps.

Tip: Once you fill up the holes, don’t compress the soil. New grass roots will spread easily when the soil is soft.

4. Topdress your lawn

Topdressing means spreading a thin layer of organic matter mixed with sand over your lawn. Doing so has many benefits, like boosting soil nutrients, breaking down thatch, and even improving soil drainage.

When you topdress your clay lawn, the soil microbes break down the thatch layer and improve aeration. Plus, the sand enhances drainage.

Topdressing also allows for better absorption of nutrients. In a matter of weeks, you’ll begin to notice improved drainage and greener grass. That said, don’t smother your grass with topdressing or it may die.

5. Create a lawn drain

Even the most badly draining lawns can be improved. Image credit: @greengo_landscaping04

If you have tried all the above methods without any luck, don’t lose hope. You can still improve lawn drainage for growing grass on clay soil. How? Well, by creating a drain.

There are a few options you can choose from, like the French drain, dry creek bed, channel drain, or yard drain. These will permanently solve the drainage issue due to clay soil and they’re very effective for waterlogged or pooled areas on your lawn.

Tip: It’s a good practice to direct and capture excess water from the drain. You can use it later during gardening work.

In a nutshell

Clay soil contains several nutrients that are beneficial for lawn grass. But too much clay can turn your lush lawn into a sickly one. That’s because a clay lawn has poor drainage and your grass won’t like sitting in water for too long.

There are many ways to fix a poorly draining clay lawn. You can start with soil conditioning to break up the clay particles. Then aerate, drill and topdress your lawn. As a final step, you can build a French or channel drain into your lawn.

Improving soil drainage will pump up your overall lawn health too. So go ahead and do it! It will help you create and maintain a lush green lawn that’s a pleasure to look at.

Save this pin for later

Top dressing your lawn is much more than just flinging some soil over the grass. It’s the art of greenifying and levelling your lawn while encouraging better drainage and improving soil biology.

In this post, we go through the why, how, and when of lawn top dressing. We’ll also list the pros and cons of top dressing and answer some frequently asked questions.

Top dressing your lawn will take it from bare and brown to thick and thriving. You can do it by spreading ¼ of an inch of top dressing material over the grass. This will add nutrients to the soil, improve water retention, and prevent erosion. The best time to top dress your lawn is between spring and autumn.

Ready to get to work? Read on to learn all about topdressing your lawn.

What is lawn top dressing?

Lawn top dressing means adding a thin layer of material over the grass. You can spread ¼ of an inch of compost or sand across your lawn. Then work it down evenly by raking or using motorised spreaders. 

Top dressing will improve the soil quality and encourage the grass to grow more vigorously through the top dressing material. You’ll notice a huge difference in the appearance of your lawn after top dressing.

Lawn dressing before and after

Before top dressing, your lawn most likely looks distressed, with bare spots here and there. It may lack the nutrients needed for a dense, lush lawn. Plus, you may also notice plenty of dead grass or thatch. 

Don’t worry. Top dressing will give your lawn the facelift it deserves. 

After top dressing, your lawn’s soil biology will improve. This will break down the thatch layer, improve drainage, and smooth out any bumps and bare patches. What’s more, top dressing will encourage the grass to grow, so walking on it feels like walking on a sponge.

Source: Ricky’s Affordable Lawn Care Grim Ave San Diego, CA Landscaping – MapQuest

The best soil for top dressing

From sand and topsoil to compost, and custom-blended mixes, there are many top dressing materials you can use. So, which one’s the best for your lawn? We’ll get to that.

But first, ensure that the dressing material matches the underlying soil, says Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, a leading authority on turfgrass. Using a drastically different material will affect the air and water movement, reducing the overall turfgrass quality. 

Now, let’s take a look at the different choices and mixes for top dressing.

• Sand: Sand is perfect for golf courses and other man-made greens. It will level bumpy ground, improve drainage, and loosen soil density. But remember, it will not improve your lawn’s fertility.
• Topsoil: Topsoil similar to the underlying soil will level out your lawn. But topsoil for lawn won’t provide nutrients to your grass for dense growth.
• Compost: Compost is the best material for top dressing lawn. It’s rich in organic matter that your turf needs for growth. 
• Dressing mix: You can also make a cost-effective dressing mix. Simply blend equal parts of compost with topsoil or sand.

Top dressing with topsoil. Image credit: @dean.pullen1

Best sand for top dressing lawns in the UK

There are a few different types of sand available for top dressing. This includes sharp sand, river sand, silver sand, mason sand, play sand and USGA sand.

USGA sand is often the best choice for top dressing lawns in the UK. It’s hydro-washed, very fine and free draining. It’s also quite easy to work into the surface of your lawn. That said, USGA top dressing sand is more expensive than other types of sand, but it’s a good investment that will pay off.

Why top dress a lawn? Pros and cons

When done correctly, top dressing helps with overall lawn care. It smooths the surface of the lawn, controls thatch, and improves the root zone.

Let’s take a closer look at the key reasons for top dressing:

• Surface smoothing: An uneven and bumpy lawn can cause drainage issues. These may lead to fungal infestation and erosion. Top dressing application helps smoothen surface irregularities. 

• Thatch control: Thatch is a layer of dead grass that can inhibit air and water movement. Top dressing can fix this issue. The microbes in compost will break down and decompose the thatch. 

• Surface root zone improvement: The root zone is the layer in which the grass roots live. The long-term success of any green lawn depends on it. Top dressing helps to improve the surface root zone by correcting unfavourable soil conditions.

Pros of top dressing

From adding nutrients to the soil to improving aeration, here are the benefits of top dressing your lawn:

• Top dressing adds plenty of nutrients to the soil, like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. This will help to greenify your lawn.
• Compost top dressing carries beneficial soil microbes. These microbes help to break down the thatch and control diseases.
• Top dressing improves aeration. It also boosts the soil’s ability to hold nutrients and water. 

Cons of top dressing

Lawn topdressing also comes with certain problems, like encouraging weeds and leaching salts.

• Top dressing might introduce or encourage the growth of unwanted weeds. It might even serve as a source of parasitic organisms that feed on turf grasses.
• Certain top dressing mixes may contain chemicals and salts. These can leach out and make the soil poor or unfit for growth.
• Low-quality top dressing soil can cause layering problems. This will disrupt the water and air movement in the soil.

When to top dress a lawn in the UK

The best time to top dress a lawn in the UK is anytime between April to October. That’s when the grass is actively growing, with plenty of sun and rain. Top dressing your UK lawn in spring or autumn will aerate the earth and encourage root growth. Ideally, you want to top dress your lawn after scarification and before overseeding.

How to top dress a lawn

You can top dress your lawn in five easy steps. Start by preparing your lawn by loosening the thatch and mowing the grass. Then choose the right top dressing material for your lawn. Next, distribute the top dressing in small parts, spread it evenly, and patiently wait for new growth to sprout. Let’s zoom in on each of these steps.

Step 1 – Prepare your lawn

Before you start spreading soil for your lawn dressing, make sure to prepare the lawn. First, break up the thatch layer. Use a rake or core aerator for this.

Then, mow the lawn very lightly. This will take the new growth off and let the top dressing material easily penetrate the surface. 

Step 2 – Choose the top dressing material

You can use sand, topsoil, compost, or a dressing mix to top dress your lawn. Choose the top dressing material that matches the soil already present on your lawn.

For best results, use a finely screened mix of sand and compost. This will feed your lawn as well as fill out any uneven patches in it.

Step 3 – Apply the top dressing

The next step is to apply the top dressing material to your lawn. You can fill the dressing in a barrel and distribute it in small parts around the lawn. Alternatively, you can fling it using a shovel or your hands.

Don’t worry if you’re not able to apply it evenly. Apply approximately 1/4 inch at a time, and not more, otherwise, it can hamper healthy grass growth.

Image credit: @robertkhoushabeh

Step 4 – Spread the top dressing

Time to get your lawn dressed! In this step, you’ll have to spread the dressing material to see if there are gaps or excessive material in some places.

For this, you will need a steel rake. Use it upside-down to push and pull the soil around till you get an even surface. Then use a metal leveller and move it back and forth again. This will help the soil to move down the blades of grass.

Finally, use a traditional garden rake and move the dressing material around the edges of your lawn for a perfect finish. 

Image credit: @robertkhoushabeh

Step 5 – Allow new growth to sprout

Water your lawn to allow the top dressing to settle down. Also, avoid heavy foot traffic for the next week. Then wait for new growth to sprout.

This might take a while. But slowly, you’ll begin to notice better drainage, decomposing thatch, and fresh, new growth.

What to top dress a lawn with?

You don’t need sophisticated tools to top dress your lawn. A simple garden rake, metal leveller, and drag map are more than enough. But if you have a large lawn and a sufficient budget, you can consider investing in an eco lawn dresser.

• Steel garden rake: Use the traditional steel garden rake upside-down to move and evenly spread the top dressing material.
• Metal soil leveller: As the name suggests, a metal leveller will help you level the dressing material. It’s basically a metal grate with a swivel on the end of the handle.
• Plastic garden rake: A classic garden rake will help you reach the edges of the garden which other tools might miss.
• Drag map: You can think of this tool as a steel carpet. It helps rattle down the top dressing material into the smallest of holes and level out the lawn.
• Eco lawn machine: This is a small version of the machine used in golf courses. It spreads the top dressing material thinly all over the lawn. 

How much top dressing do I need?

The answer depends on how long your lawn grass is. The rule of thumb is to apply the top dressing one centimetre deep. That way, you will need 1 cubic metre for every 100 square metres of lawn.

That said, if you bury the grass too deeply in a layer of top dressing, you’ll starve it of sunlight. So, gently move any excessive top dressing material, allowing the grass blades to poke through.

What to do after top dressing

After top dressing, sprinkle your lawn lightly to allow the material to settle. Give your lawn a few days’ rest. That means no raking or mowing. Be patient and before long, you’ll see the green results of all your hard work.

A lawn after top dressing. Image credit: @kennettsgardenscapes2021

How much does it cost to top dress your lawn?

The cost to top dress your lawn largely depends on its current condition and the areas that need a little bit of extra work. Roughly speaking, top dressing will cost you around £1.60 per square metre. This excludes delivery and other miscellaneous costs.

You can buy top dressing for lawns at your local nursery, garden centre, or home improvement store. You can also look up online stores that deliver top dressing soil to your area.

FAQs

If you have some more lingering doubts about the why, how, and when of top dressing your lawn, these FAQs might come to your rescue:

Can you put top soil over grass to level it?

Yes, you can put topsoil on the grass to level your lawn. Just spread it around evenly with a rake and leveller and you’re good to go. But make sure not to apply it too thickly or you may smother the grass.

Will grass grow over topsoil?

Yes, your existing lawn grass will grow over topsoil. Once you have top dressed your lawn with topsoil, you might have to wait a few seasons before the grass grows back thick and lush.

What is the best top dressing for lawns?

Compost is often the best top dressing for lawns. It’s rich in organic matter and nutrients. That means goodbye thatch and hello lush growth. 

Tips for a greener lawn

You can turn your lawn from bare to beautiful without slaving away in the dirt for hours. How? By top dressing lawn the right way.

• Make sure to pick the right lawn top dressing mix.
• Use the right tools, like a garden rake and soil leveller, to spread the soil.
• Make sure you apply enough top dressing material. While too little will not show results, too much will raise your yard level.

The key is to top dress your lawn lightly and gradually. Have patience with the process, and you can turn a patchy eyesore into a green and healthy lawn.

Save this pin for later

It’s not the most glamorous substance out there but soil, a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms, is a unique, life-supporting environment.  A layer of soil covers the earth’s crust like protective skin.  Soil coverage can range from a sprinkling of a few millimetres to several feet deep.

There are myriad soil types that have wide-ranging properties depending on their composition. We often talk about soils as being chalky, sandy, clay-like, peaty, silty or loamy. The 6 different soil types, and our interactions with them, have a huge impact on what can and can’t be grown successfully in your garden or plot.

Image credit: @growarber

Let’s take a closer look at each soil type and what it means for your growing patch:

Chalky soil

Image credit: @allotment_3b

Chalky soils are very alkaline and mainly consist of calcium carbonate. This soil type can be light or heavy and has a pH (the measure of acidity or alkalinity of the soil) of 7.1-8.0.

You might be able to see chalky deposits on the top of your soil but if you’re unsure, add a teaspoon of soil to a jar of vinegar and see if it bubbles, if it does, it contains chalk or lime.

Chalky soil is good for plants that like good drainage and aren’t particularly reliant on nutrients. When planting, add plenty of mulch and fertilise plants regularly.

Sandy soil

Image credit: @valdaya.vinos

Sandy soils are usually light as they contain plenty of sand and very little clay. This soil type drains easily and feels gritty to the touch. Sandy soil will have a pH of 4-6.

Because sandy soil drains freely, it doesn’t retain many nutrients. You’ll need to add organic amendments for the best growing results.

Sandy soil loving plants include tulips and hibiscus, and vegetables like carrots, squash and collard greens.

Clay soil

Image credit: @samin.blog

One of the tricker soil types, clay soil is thick, heavy and stays wet and boggy in winter while cracking dry in hot summers. This soil type drains extremely slowly but it does retain nutrients well. Clay soils are alkaline with a pH between 8-10.

I have this soil type in my garden and, although the grass is a no-go zone over winter (read bog garden); wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle, climbing hydrangea, photinia, box, a grapevine, grasses and palms, ferns, lavender and a beautiful magnolia are all thriving in it.

Peaty soil

Image credit: @mellywellywoo

Peaty soil is quite dark in colour and feels spongy to touch. It heats up quickly and retains water well. Peaty soil has a pH of 3.7-5.2.

Light, less acidic peat soils are among the most fertile and celery, carrots, onions and lettuce will grow happily in it.

Peaty soil can be found throughout the country from the highlands of Scotland to the Somerset levels but the demand for compost has made peatlands one of the most endangered natural habitats in the UK.

Silty soil

Image credit: @urbano.urbangreen

Silty soil is rich in nutrients and holds moisture well. Its fine particles make it soft to touch and it’s easy to work, making it perfect for planting. Silty soil can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Most vegetables will grow happily in this soil type along with moisture-loving trees, shrubs, climbers and perennials.

Loamy soil

Image credit: Pinterest

The creme de la creme of the soil world, loamy soil benefits from a mix of sand, silt and clay in similar amounts. This soil is fine-textured and might feel a bit damp. Loamy soil has a pH of 5.5-6.5 making it slightly acidic.

Loamy soil has the right balance of nutrients, water retention, structure and drainage and is perfect for lawns and plants of all kinds.

How can I find out which soil type my garden has?

There are a few simple ways to determine your soil type:

Soak

Pour water over a patch of soil and see how long it takes to drain. Fast draining soils are sandy or loamy whereas clay soils will drain slowly.

Squeeze

Clay soil will hold its shape when squished. Image credit:@tenthacrefarm

Grab a handful of soil and see how it feels, clay soil will stick together, sandy soil will be gritty and crumbly, peat is spongy and loam or silty soil will feel smooth.

Settle

Image credit: @communitygardensaustralia

You’ll need a transparent, lidded container like a jam jar or large test tube for this test. Add a good handful of soil, top with water, shake and let rest for 12-24 hours.

• Chalky soil will turn the water grey and leave a deposit of white at the bottom of the container.
• Sandy soil will leave sediment at the bottom of the container and the water will be quite clear.
• Clay and silty soils will make the water cloudy and leave a layer of grit at the bottom.
• Peaty soil will leave floating particles in the water which will remain cloudy.
• Loamy soil will leave layers of different sediment and clear water.

You can also perform a pH test and kits are readily available from garden centres or online.

How do I know if my soil is healthy?

It’s difficult to grow healthy plants and bumper crops without healthy soil. Soil health is the ability for soil to function effectively as a living ecosystem that can sustain plants, livestock and humans. Soil rich in nutrients is usually dark brown to black in colour but you can dig a little deeper to discover more…

There will be plenty of worms

Image credit: @chilternheritageorchards

These wriggly wonders may make you squirm, but the presence of worms in your soil is essential for good soil health. Worms improve soil structure, water movement, nutrient cycling and plant growth. Dig up a few inches of soil, if you see more than 3 or more worms, it’s a strong indicator that the soil is healthy, no worms means there’s not enough organic matter for them to feed on.

Well covered roots

Image credit: @gothelneyfarmer

As roots are completely reliant on soil, their appearance is an excellent indicator of soil health. Pull up a weed from your garden or plot and look closely at the roots, are they covered with soil and well spread? You might notice crumbly soil is covering the roots, known as a ‘rhizosheath’.

It’s easy to work

If your soil is compacted and hard to dig, workability is low and chances are that plants and organisms such as worms will struggle to thrive there. Workable soil allows water to penetrate easily and reach the roots and it’s much less prone to compaction.

How can I improve the health of my soil?

Image credit: @gardenerscottageedinburgh

There are several ways to improve the health of your soil, creating better conditions for your plants and the environment:

Reduce tillage

Tillage is a mechanical method of loosening and aerating soil before planting, think of rotavating before a new lawn is laid. Excessive soil turnover can be detrimental to soil health in the long term and is best avoided if you can manage your garden or allotment soil by hand. Avoiding tilling keeps biodegraded organic matter on the surface of the soil, helping the soil to maintain a structure where rain can easily penetrate. You can easily use a fork to loosen the top layers of soil without destroying the essential microorganisms before sowing or planting.

Grow cover crops

Bare soil is unhappy soil, try to keep the soil covered, even if you aren’t growing crops. The cover crop will help to prevent erosion and produce nutrients to enrich the soil.

Amend your soil

Most soil types will benefit from a regular addition of well-rotted manure or compost. Add a layer of at least 5cm and fork in well. You can also amend the pH of the soil and add sand to improve drainage.

Read more: What’s the best soil for a planter box?

Save this pin for later

Soil is the main provider of nutrients for your plants so it’s important to know each plant’s nutritional requirements before filling a planter box with soil for the first time. The types of soil that are required for specific plants are discussed below but first, let’s look at some soil basics for all planter boxes.

Image credit: @flowerstreetaz

1. Drainage

Rainwater is quickly absorbed by flowerbed plants, meaning their roots are rarely saturated but in a pot or a planter box, the water has nowhere to go. Some plants don’t mind their roots being moist but others hate it. For this reason, it’s a good idea to add some pebbles, sand or eggshells to the bottom of your planter box to aid drainage.

This is really important for herbs, squashes and flowers although cucumbers might be happy with some extra moisture.

Very few plants I know (apart from rice and mangroves) like to sit in water so make sure your planter box can cope with the water you give it.

2. Fertiliser

It is important to meet the needs of all the plants in the planter box so don’t add manure or fertiliser for one plant hoping that another won’t notice!

• Some herbs grow well in sandy soil whereas if you’re growing cucumbers or tomatoes, they crave rich soil with added humus. Adding manure is perfect for these plants.
• Roses and other hungry flowers will be delighted with manure-rich soil too.
• If manure is added to carrots, the roots will fork out in search of nutrients so this is not recommended. Check what you are planting and adjust the soil to suit those plants.
• Cabbages love to be planted in the soil after a crop of beans because they enjoy the nitrogen-rich soil that the beans leave behind.

3. Soil compaction

Over time, the soil in pots and planter boxes becomes compacted, making it difficult for the roots to spread easily or for new seeds to emerge from the soil. You can keep adding a new layer of mulch to planter boxes so that plants always have good soil to feed them. Another idea is to completely change the soil every 2 years.

Also, consider the water that you use for watering your potted plants. Like all indoor plants, the water used has an impact. Chlorinated tap water often leaves a visible salt residue on the soil over time.

Try to avoid this by using collected rainwater or distilled water. That way, your plants are getting watered as if they are in the wild and most of them will thank you for it. Set up a water butt to collect rainwater if you can.

Collect rainwater in a water butt. Image credit: @longhillcarriage

Which soil mix is best for plants in a planter box?

If you are planning to grow roses in your planter box, then your soil mix will be very different to the soil needed for herbs.

Plants that need deep, rich soil with manure and plenty of organic matter include:

• Roses, wisteria and dahlias.
• Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, aubergines, and squash.
• Fruit shrubs and trees such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries.

Hydrangeas need acidic soil to thrive. Try adding some wood ash, leaf mould, lime or homemade compost to change the PH level for acid-loving plants, including blueberries which need ericaceous (acidic) soil.

Some plants, like nasturtiums, will thrive in poor soil with few nutrients and not much water. Herbs like rosemary and thyme and a range of wildflowers prefer sandy, loose soil and aren’t too fussy about the richness. So check the requirements of each plant and decide if you need to divide the planter into sections before choosing the soil for a planter box.

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

Do I need to add fertiliser to my planter box?

Some plants in your planter box will require extra feeding as they grow while others are happy to use whatever soil is available. Wisteria and roses benefit from a regular feed as do tomatoes and aubergines but other plants can be almost neglected and will survive just fine without feeds.

You can aid the hungriest plants by providing slow-release fertiliser in capsules in the soil. You can also add nutrients naturally by placing some comfrey leaves in the soil when you plant. These leaves are super fertilisers, releasing calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B12 and trace elements as they break down, benefitting the health of your plants over a long period of time.

Well fed plants are happy plants! Image credit: @les.vos

Other natural feeds can be made by using the weeds in your garden! You can make feeds by placing the leaves of the weeds in water and allowing them to settle for 4-5 weeks. Then just add the solution to your watering can to give your hungriest plants a boost.

Aubergine plants love some natural fertiliser, particularly when in flower, so nourish their gorgeous purple flowers with your homemade concoctions. Any younger gardening enthusiasts can be taught about chemistry while you do this!

Other “weeds” which make excellent plant fertilisers include plants you’ll find growing happily in your garden. See the nutrients they provide in the list below. Free feed and weed, what’s not to like?

Natural plant fertilisers

To make ‘weed tea’, soak the chopped leaves of the below nutrient-rich plants in water for up to 4 weeks and add the sieved water to your plants as an effective natural food:

Chicory: calcium, potassium, magnesium

Coltsfoot: calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium

Comfrey: calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B12

Dandelion: calcium, copper, iron, potassium and phosphorus

Meadowsweet: calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus

Nettles: calcium, copper, iron and potassium

Plantains: calcium, copper, iron, potassium, and magnesium

Silverweed: calcium, copper, iron, potassium, and magnesium

Vetches: copper, potassium and phosphorus

Watercress: calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus

A word of warning about feeding; many plants will grow more foliage than flowers when they are fertilised so if you are hoping for flowers, check the plant labels first. Nasturtiums produce hundreds of flowers in impoverished soil but if you feed them, they turn their efforts to producing an abundance of leaves rather than flowers.

Use the weeds from your garden to feed your plants. Image credit: @the.indie.elf

What soil mix will suit herbs in my planter box?

Gardeners often choose to place their herbs in one place, making it convenient for the kitchen. It’s also relaxing to watch the bees on flowers and enjoy the aromatic scents. Place your herb planter box in a location where you can enjoy it.

In a planter box, it’s important to remember that different herbs prefer distinct types of soil and also that the aromatic scent from sage, for example, can cause other nearby plants to fail. With this in mind, see suggestions for soil suitable for annual, biennial, and perennial herbs below.

• Annual herbs that grow well together include parsley – flat-leaved and moss curled types (both need rich soil and lots of sunlight), coriander, strawberries, chives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add compost and manure to these plants if available. You can add feed when they are flowering and fruiting.
• Biennial herbs such as chervil and caraway can be treated as annuals but you may want to mulch the soil over winter to allow its goodness to penetrate and provide some protection from weeds taking root.
• Perennial herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, and lovage tend to grow larger than annuals with woody stems. Lavender grows really well with some of these but it is important to make sure that sage is placed at a distance from the others, space permitting. Strawberries and borage are great companions for sage.

Consider planting herbs in different soils for best results. Image credit: @small_garden_big_ideas

Can I add household waste to my planter box?

Adding leftovers to your plants can be worthwhile and help reduce the amount of landfill waste. Experienced gardeners may tell you casually that adding eggshells here and coffee grounds there will give fantastic results.

Some items listed below are recommended but only in small amounts. If you place a week’s supply of tea bags onto one plant, you may kill it off with your kindness! Adding any of these items to your compost bin is always a good idea, where they will decompose slowly adding richness and nourishment for plants in a balanced combination.

• Coffee grounds are full of nutrients and are great to add to indoor plants once in a while but not every day as they may change the acidity of the soil.
• Teabags can be split open after use, then added to geraniums, tomatoes and roses.
• Banana skins are very rich and they attract slugs, so this is a great use for them. Once your target has arrived, place the skin in your compost bin.
• Eggshells add keratin to compost and some swear that slugs and snails are deterred by them. My own experience is watching the pests leave slimy trails over the eggshells en route to the plant I am trying to protect. I would crush eggshells into small pieces and add them to the compost heap instead.

Use coffee grounds sparingly in your garden. Image credit: @gardening.with.ingrid

Choose peat-free soil

If you are buying soil for your planter box from a garden centre, always choose the peat-free varieties.  Conserving vital peatlands is essential in the fight to combat climate change. Peatlands store carbon, help to prevent flooding and provide homes for animals. You can read more about how you can go peat-free here.

Save this pin for later

Teak furniture is a great investment, but you need to care for it properly if you want your furniture to look great for years to come.

You might have heard the best way to do this is to use teak oil and now be wondering which teak oil to use.  Let’s take a look at the best teak oil for outdoor furniture.

Teak needs a little TLC and a regular coat of oil to stay looking its best. Credit: Shutterstock

What’s the best teak oil for garden furniture?

All teak oils may look very similar, but they aren’t all made the same. Different brands use different mixes of ingredients. This leads to differences in quality as well as price.  Before you run off to buy teak oil, however, you might want to know that the best treatment for outdoor teak furniture is NOT teak oil.

If you’re doing research online or buying teak furniture from an online store, you might unintentionally be given bad advice. A lot of the online stores don’t have contact with the furniture and therefore doesn’t really care if the care instructions are correctly given or not.

You don’t need to apply teak oil to newly bought teak furniture. Teak wood contains its own natural oil that will keep the wood safe from weather, pest and rot damage. By applying more oil, you can create a sticky residue on the furniture since very little oil will be absorbed. This happens due to the wood being already saturated with its own oil.

Worst case scenario, applying extra oil may actually lead to the natural oils being depleted. Commercial teak oil contains ingredients that may contain some chemicals that break down natural teak oil. Over time your furniture will start to look dry and become vulnerable to outside damage caused by pests, weather and rot.

Why teak oil can harm your outdoor teak furniture

Teak is one of the best woods for garden furniture and may look great with that golden hue after being oiled, but over time you will notice the colour of your furniture fading away faster. Even the best teak oil doesn’t seem to keep up with the damage being done to the exterior of your furniture.

This is due to the oil actually causing the damage. If you apply teak oil to furniture that still contains its own natural oils, the teak oil won’t be absorbed by the wood. This creates a moist residue on your furniture and the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mould and fungi.  You may notice dark spots appearing on the surface of the wood. These black spots are caused by fungi or mould growth that is fed by the unabsorbed surface oil.

Artificial teak oil also contains chemicals that break down natural oils in the wood. This exposes the wood to rot, weather damage and pests.

How to keep your teak furniture looking as good as new

Teak wood naturally turns a silvery grey colour as it ages. If you don’t mind this process, you can simply let it happen and your wooden furniture will look great for years to come. The wood will stay weather, rot and pest resistant for much longer as well.

Aged teak furniture can look beautiful. Credit: Farawayfurniture

To care for your teak furniture, simply use teak cleaner to deeply clean your furniture every few months. This will keep your furniture dirt-free and looking great.

If you would like to keep the stunning golden hue of newly bough teak furniture around for longer, you can consider using teak sealant to lock in the colour. Teak wood fades due to oxidation and UV ray damage. If you seal the wood, the oxidation process is slowed down and UV rays are blocked from the surface.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean the wood won’t lose its colour over time. There are special sealants on the market specifically designed for use on teak. These sealants shouldn’t affect the natural oils in the wood keeping it weather, rot and pest resistant. The sealant will only need reapplying once a year if done correctly.

The best oil for teak

If you still prefer to oil your teak furniture instead, there are a few options to choose from.

Before and after applying teak oil. Credit: Shutterstock

Keep in mind that you will need to reapply the oil every one to three months to keep your furniture looking great. If you’re not scared to do the work, consider the following oils for your teak furniture:

Starbrite Premium Golden Teak Oil

This oil has a reputation for preserving the golden hue of teak for a long time. This oil is also quite gentle on your teak which means it will keep the surface in good condition for longer than most. Once your teak gets older and loses some of its natural oils, this teak oil will penetrate the wood preventing it from getting damaged.

Furniture Clinic Teak Oil

This oil is quite thick in viscosity and is often used to resurrect old, damaged wooden furniture. It is meant for teak and other hardwoods. The main ingredients in this oil are tung oil as well as linseed oil. It does take much longer to dry than most oils so make sure not to apply it too thickly.

• Furniture Clinic Teak Oil (500 ml): Check the current price on Amazon.

FAQs

Is there a difference between teak oil and danish oil?

The main difference between teak oil and danish oil is the way they dry. Teak oil usually dries to a matt finish where danish oil has a more glossy finish.

How often should you oil teak garden furniture?

Every 2 to 3 months. The oil will only preserve the teak colour for around two to three months before it will start fading. At this point, you will need to reapply the oil.

How do you protect outdoor teak furniture?

The best way to protect outdoor teak furniture is to apply a teak sealant. The sealant will prevent oxidation and UV damage which in turn will preserve the golden hue of your furniture for longer.

Save this pin for later

As gardeners, we often hear about the importance of well-draining soil, but what does that really mean and how does it affect our plants?

In this article, we will look at the importance of well-draining soil for plant health, how to recognise drainage problems and what to do about them.

Why is well-draining soil important?

Well-drained soil has spaces between the soil particles which hold water and oxygen. These two elements are both necessary to keep your plants healthy.

Well-drained soil retains water for long enough to allow roots to absorb what they need but also drains quickly enough to allow the plant’s roots to keep breathing.

Credit: Shutterstock

If your soil retains water for too long, it can cause the plant to drown and develop root rot in the process. Poorly drained soil also makes it very difficult for the roots to grow and spread since the soil particles are packed so tightly together.

How to check soil drainage

If you’re worried about your soil not draining quickly enough, you can do a simple test to determine how fast it lets water through. Dig a hole of around 30 centimetres (12 inches) wide and deep (it doesn’t have to be exact) and fill it with water.

Once the water drains, fill it again and take note of how long the second round of water takes to drain.  If you have soil that drains well, you should notice around a 2.5 to 5 centimetre (1-2 inch) drop in water level every hour. If your soil drains any slower or faster than that, you might have to make some adjustments.

Benefits of well-drained soil

Well-drained soil has quite a few benefits for plants. Here are the most important ones:

• Reduced soil and nutrient loss due to runoff
• Increased plant vitality and growth
• Warms up faster in spring
• Prevents root rot
• Increased nutrient release from compost
• Improved soil structure
• Prevents accumulation of salts that may harm your plant over time
• Promotes better, more extensive root systems
• Prevents damage to your crops
• Removes harmful chemicals and minerals in the soil

Signs of poorly drained soil

If you have poorly drained soil, it will become obvious pretty quickly. Water will pool instead of draining away and the soil will be very compacted. Poorly drained soil usually contains a lot of clay.  In clay soils, the particles are very small making it easy for them to create a dense, near solid structure. There is very little space for anything in between these particles which includes water and oxygen.

It is also very difficult for plants to push these particles apart to expand their root systems. This can lead to poor growth and even death unless you choose a plant that prefers these conditions.

Clay soil holds a large amount of water; credit: Shutterstock

If your plant prefers well-drained soil, you will quickly notice a loss of vitality, dull, yellowing leaves, a horrible smell coming from the base of the plant due to root rot and even mould growth on the soil. Very quickly you will notice falling leaves and your plant will rot away and die.

Problems with soil that drains too well

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you get sandy soils that drain too well. In this type of soil, the water drains through so quickly that the plant can’t absorb enough of it to sustain itself. If this is your soil, you will notice signs of drought stress in your plants such as:

• Wilting
• Dry, crispy falling leaves
• Reduced growth
• Discoloured leaves
• Dry, crispy tips on the leaves still attached to your plant

When the soil drains too well plants suffer from drought stress; credit: Shutterstock

How to improve soil drainage

It is fairly simple to correct drainage for both clay and sandy soils. Simply add organic matter like shredded leaves, compost, hemlock bark, or peat to your soil. You can even use a combination of these for the best results.

For poorly drained soils, organic matter that doesn’t absorb water like hemlock bark works best. The bark will increase the airspace between the particles which will, in turn, improve drainage and aeration.

Fix poorly drained soils with tree bark; credit: Shutterstock

In soils that drain too fast, compost, peat and shredded leaves work great to retain some water. This will allow the plants to absorb what they need before it all drains away.

For the best results, your amendments must make up at least 30% of the total volume of your garden bed. If you’re unsure how much to use, simply spread around 7.5 to 10 centimetres (3-4 inches) of organic matter across the surface of your garden bed.

Make sure to work this organic matter well into the first 20 to 30 centimetres (8-12 inches) of soil to improve drainage enough for plants to survive.

FAQs

What happens to plants with poor drainage?

Plants that are left to stand in saturated soil for a long time will start to develop root rot, their growth will be affected, the leaves will turn yellow and start to fall off. If the plant is closely inspected you will notice lesions where the leaves burst due to being too swollen with water.

Over saturated soil causes root rot; credit: Shutterstock

Eventually, the plant will slowly wither away and die.

Which is the fastest draining soil?

The fastest draining soil type is sandy soil. The particles are very large which creates large air pockets between them. This allows water to drain through very quickly.

What are the 6 types of soil?

Soil is classified into 6 categories namely clay soil, loamy soil, peaty soil, chalky, silty soil and sandy soil. Of all these soils, loamy soil is the best for creating a well-drained substrate for plants.

Save this pin for later

High-quality soil is essential for growing healthy, strong plants. Whether you want better yields from crops, more abundant blooms from flowering plants, or to simply give your foliage a better chance against pests and diseases, the condition of your soil is a fundamental factor. Knowing how to improve your garden soil is important; keeping it in a good condition is a continuous process that needs to be worked on every season.

The basics of great garden soil

The best garden soil to support your plants will be rich in nutrients, minerals, beneficial microorganisms and organic matter. Its consistency should both absorb water and allow for drainage, support your plant while still creating room for root development and provide air circulation. Improving your soil is about understanding deficiencies in the earth that you have, and rebalancing its composition so that it can nourish your plants and support all everything growing in it.

Soil naturally ranges in consistency, from heavy and clay-based to light and sandy. Clay compacts easily, becomes waterlogged and ultimately suffocates plants. Sandy soil, on the other hand, allows moisture to drain faster than plants can absorb it. The ideal consistency is somewhere in the middle, where the soil has a loamy consistency and is rich in organic matter.

How to improve your garden soil in 6 steps

Any type of soil can be transformed into healthy garden soil with a little dedication and hard work. Improving your soil takes time and is an ongoing process. Organic matter needs to be replenished frequently to keep the cycle going. Below are seven ways you can improve garden soil.

1. Start by testing your soil

You won’t know what’s going on with your soil unless you look. Start by identifying the type of soil you have – whether it’s chalky, clay-based, sandy etc. –  you can usually add some water to it and feel the consistency between your fingers. The Royal Horticultural Society has some great information on understanding soil types.

The next step is to understand the current composition and mineral balance of your soil. You can get a professional survey done, but it will be much cheaper to start with a home testing kit, which you can find at most garden centres or buy online. Soil tests will tell you about the levels of nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, organic matter and lead in your garden, as well as the pH balance. Knowing this will help you understand how to improve your garden soil by boosting elements that are deficient.

It’s good practice to carry out a soil test every few years to check the balance of your soil, and that your routine for conditioning your soil is working properly.

2. Combine it with compost

The simplest thing you can do to improve your garden soil quality is to mix decomposed organic matter – compost – into your flower beds and vegetable patches. It improves the soil structure, feeds the microorganisms living in it and helps your garden earth retain nutrients and moisture, while allowing better drainage and air circulation. Compost can also neutralise your soil’s pH, and generally give your plants the support they need to fend off disease.

Compost is made from natural, carbon-based materials that have broken down – like grass clippings, coffee grounds, dried leaves, vegetable scraps and untreated cardboard. Once it’s decomposed together, the consistency of compost will create vital pockets of air in clay-based soil, and help sandier earth clump together so that plants can thrive. It will also provide organic matter for tiny organisms in the soil to consume and convert into the nutrients your plants need to feed on.

Making your own compost is a great way to sustainably manage some of your household waste. Our complete guide to composting will tell you more.

3. Mix in manure

Aged animal manure from chickens, cows, rabbits, horses and sheep will improve your soil structure, and is high in nutrients that will fertilise your soil. It’s important that you use well-rotted manure that’s at least several months old, as fresh manure can harm both plants and humans.

If you’re buying manure, it’s important that it comes from animals that haven’t been eating hay or grass covered with pesticides. These chemicals can pass through into the manure, and then remain in your soil for a long time.

4. Add a layer of mulch

Covering the surface of your garden beds with mulch is going to improve your garden soil in several ways. It’s great for helping your soil retain its moisture and keep the ground cool and, more importantly, mulch will also slowly break down to release more nutrients into the soil. Plus, mulch stifles weed growth and makes your garden look more attractive, with uniformly-mulched beds that look neat and tidy.

5. Keep your soil loose

Compacted soil is bad news for your garden. Not only does it limit water flow and stifle the microorganisms that create the nutrients for your plants to feed on, it makes it harder for your plants to grow the fine roots they need to search for water and nutrients elsewhere. It’s a vicious circle, and usually results in dehydrated soil that starves the foliage above.

There are several things that contribute to compacted soil, but all of them can be fixed. Clay-based soil is the most likely to become compacted, especially after heavy rain or snow. Regularly mixing in loamy compost will help to rebalance the texture of clay-based soil. Waterlogged soil will also compact easily, which is why it’s important not to over-water your garden, and to allow it a couple of days to drain after wet weather.

The final thing you can do is avoid walking over the soil you intend to grow plants in. It’s much better to have designated flower beds with lawns or paths between them that you can walk on.

@mariakitchengarden

6. Rotate your crops

Crop rotation is an essential part of growing vegetables in your garden long-term, as different plants will absorb different elements from the soil. There will also be a build-up of soil-based pests and diseases that target particular crops, so planting something different in the same soil the following year will kill off most of the pests and keep the soil healthy. Failing to rotate your crops will force them to struggle against depleted soil nutrients and greater numbers of pests and pathogens that can cause problems.

Three years is the recommended gap between planting the same crop in the soil. So, the best routine is to divide your vegetable bed into four sections, and rotate the crops into a new section each year (bonus points if you can leave one section fallow for a year). It’s also helpful to know that some plants can replenish certain components in the soil – for example, peas and nasturtiums will deposit nitrogen back into the ground, which is useful after growing a nitrogen-hungry crop, like corn or brassicas.

Learning how to improve your garden soil is the best way to grow happy, healthy plants and crops year after year. Although there’s no quick fix, consistently conditioning your soil will reward you with stronger plants, higher-quality crops and bigger, brighter blooms. Happy growing!

Save this pin for later

Falling at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, September can be a month of contrasts. Early September days are often warm and sunny but the end of the month can signal the start of autumnal storms. September is a time for harvesting, tidying, and preparing the garden and greenhouse for the cooler, more tumultuous months ahead.

Many summer flowering plants will have finished blooming by September, but you can still get colour from later flowering plants like anemones, echinacea and rudbeckia. In terms of harvesting the fruits and vegetables of your labour, the garden in September can be a bumper month for crops.

Keep reading to discover the jobs to do in your September garden and what flowers and vegetables you can plant now. 

Image credit: @ogrodowisko_pl

Gardening in September: what you should be doing in the garden now

Summer’s not quite over and early September can bring high temperatures and dry days so don’t pack the watering can away just yet! As well as harvesting crops, keeping your grass in tip-top condition and continuing with weeding, there are many other September gardening jobs to keep you busy. Here’s our list of garden tasks for September:

The lawn

1. The rate of grass growth is dependent on the weather and a warm September will mean you’ll still be needing to mow the grass regularly.
2. Keep on top of watering your grass, especially if you’ve sown grass seed or laid new turf.
3. Continue to keep weeds in check. Depending on the size of your lawn you can hand weed or use a spot weedkiller. Keeping your lawn healthy and well-watered is the best defence against weeds
4. You can give any worn-out grassy areas a refresh by watering, applying an autumn lawn feed and over-seeding if necessary.

Keep your lawn looking lush into autumn. Image credit: @gartenheidisuess

The garden

1. Don’t stop watering! If rainfall is sparse, keep watering potted plants and vegetables.
2. September is the time for many crops to be harvested. Onions, apples, pears, cucumbers, beans, raspberries, cherry tomatoes, courgettes and potatoes can be picked now.
3. Get seed harvesting! As well as picking fruit and vegetables, you can carefully harvest seeds from your favourite flowers. Cornflowers, poppies, nasturtiums, marigolds and snapdragons are all easy plants to collect seeds from. Place the harvested seeds into an envelope and don’t forget to write what seeds are inside! Hand-collected seeds make excellent presents.

Poppy seeds are easy and fun to harvest. Image credit: @handmadebynatureuk

1. Divide clumps of perennials that have finished flowering like bleeding hearts, lily of the valley, day lilies and peonies. You can also lift and divide large lavender plants by cutting the root ball into two. 
2. Add colour to borders with plants like late-flowering anemones, rudbeckia, sedum and asters.

Add colour to the garden in September with radiant rudbeckia. Image credit: @the_garden_keeper

1. Plant colourful autumn containers to keep your garden looking beautiful.
2. If you have a pond, September is a good time to place a net over it to catch any falling leaves.
3. If you’ve brought houseplants outside to enjoy the summer sun, it’s time to bring them back indoors.
4. Growing pumpkins or squash? They won’t be ready to harvest just yet, but you can help to boost their growth by removing any leaves that are shading the fruit, covering them with a thick blanket on cooler nights and fertilising the plants. 

A creative way to grow pumpkins. Image credit: @kellogggarden

The greenhouse

1. Give the greenhouse a good clear out before winter. Make sure that it’s in good condition too and make any repairs as necessary to see it through the winter months.
2. You can plant herbs to grow over autumn and winter.
3. September is a good month to give the greenhouse windows a wash.

Make sure your greenhouse is in good shape before winter sets in. Image credit: @johannavireaho

1. Move any tender perennials into the greenhouse. This needs to happen when temperatures fall below 12-15ºC so, depending on where you are in the country, this may be next month.
2. There are several flowers that you can grow in your greenhouse and plant directly outside this month. See the ‘Flowers to plant in September’ section below for more details.

What to plant in September

Although the temperature will start to fall in September, there are still plenty of flowers and vegetables that can be grown this month, both outside and under cover.

If you’re wondering what to sow in September, here’s our pick of the bunch to plant in your garden, greenhouse or allotment:

Vegetables to plant in September

September can be an excellent month for vegetable growing; the combination of still-warm-from-summer soil and cooler air temperatures is ideal for many vegetable crops.

Broad beans – For an early spring crop you can sow broad beans directly into the ground or start them off under cover, planting the seedlings out after 6 weeks. You’ll need to cover the plants with fleece in freezing weather.

Cabbage – Plant out cabbage seedlings that were started inside. Cabbages will grow best in firm, moist, alkaline soil and will take 4 to 6 months to mature.

Plant out cabbages for a delicious harvest next year. Image credit: @trug_and_lettuce

Chinese broccoli – Fast growing and perfect for stir-fries, you can sow Chinese broccoli directly into the ground or in pots, keep the soil moist and it’ll be ready to harvest in 6-8 weeks.

Garlic – You can plant garlic outside in September, the plants will overwinter and put out new green shoots in spring.

Sow garlic into the ground or in raised beds. Image credit: @diaryofaladygardener

Onions – Choose onion sets that are suitable for planting in autumn and plant now for an early crop.

Pak Choi – This easy-to-grow plant can be sown in large pots, raised beds or into the ground and should germinate quickly.

Radishes – Super quick and easy to grow, you can sow radishes into September. Sow seeds directly into the soil and you’ll be rewarded with juicy radishes a few weeks later.

Rocket – Plant rocket seeds into the ground or in pots, September is the last month for growing rocket outside but you can continue to grow this delicious leafy green inside during the cooler months.

Rocket will flourish in pots. Image credit: @veg_garden_girl

Salad leaves – You can still enjoy fresh salad into autumn. Sow seeds into pots in a sheltered, sunny outdoor spot or you can grow them in the greenhouse or your kitchen.

Spinach – Spinach sown now will be ready to harvest in the spring. You can sow seeds into the soil or in pots. The plants will need to be covered from October if planted outside.

Turnips – You can sow turnip seeds directly into the soil and harvest the baby turnips in 6 weeks or so.

Flowers to plant in September

These are some of the best flower seeds to plant in September for welcome spring colour:

Calendula – Plant seeds 1cm deep outside where they are to flower for a display of sunshine in June and July. 

Cornflowers – Sow seeds undercover in September for early blooms the following year.

Larkspur – You can sow larkspur seeds outside now.

The elegant blooms of larkspur. Image credit: @homesown_flowers

Marigolds – Sow marigold seeds in shallow rows or sprinkle the seeds on top of the compost in pots outside.

Nigella – These beautiful flowers can also be sown outside in the ground or in pots for a burst of spring colour.

Poppies – Poppy seeds can be scattered outside where they are to grow.

Poppies sown in September will bloom in early summer. Image credit: @kathi228888

Flowers that you can plant in your borders to plug gaps left by spent summer bloomers, brighten dull spots and fill pots include rudbeckia, pansies, heathers, helenium, sedum and chrysanthemums.

If you’re keen to start planting tulip or daffodil bulbs, it’s best to wait a little longer until October or November.

Conclusion

From harvesting tasty fruits and vegetables to preparing your garden for the cooler months, September is a rewarding month in the garden.

It’s a great time to get organised too, you can plant vegetables to enjoy in a few weeks’ time and get ahead in your spring garden by sowing pretty flower seeds.

July is usually one of the hottest months of the year, but that’s no excuse to abandon your garden and greenhouse to the heat.

Gardening in July is a busy time; jobs include deadheading plants that can bloom again, mowing and fertilising your lawn, harvesting vegetables and fruit trees, and keeping an eye out for pests. There are also plenty of things to plant, from fast-growing lettuce and herbs to autumn, winter and spring veg. And, since it can be hot, it’s also crucial to keep flowers, trees and vegetables well-watered.

Read on to find out what to do in the garden in July and what to plant and sow this time of the year.

July is the time for beautiful blooms. Image credit: @the_little_end_cottage

Gardening in July: what you should be doing in the garden now

There’s no shortage of July gardening jobs you can do. From deadheading plants in the flower beds to keep them blooming and harvesting summer crops, to minding the small but important things like topping up bird baths and water features, here’s a list of the key things you should be doing in the garden in July:

1. Deadhead plants that can bloom again

Keep an eye on your flower beds, borders, pots and hanging baskets and remove withered flowers and spent blooms. Throughout this month, deadhead any plants that can bloom again to encourage the growth of new flowers.

• Deadhead summer flowers every few days.
• Remove spent and withered rose flowers to keep them flowering throughout summer.
• Deadhead repeat-flowering perennials and annuals.
• Regularly remove the spent flowers of annual sweet peas after flowering begins.

Image credit: @niff_barnes

2. Give your lawn a high cut

In July grass can lose moisture fast. You may notice this as the blades of grass lose colour and begin to droop. Regular mowing is still important, but allowing the grass to grow taller can help it shade the soil and retain moisture. It will also rob weeds of sunlight, making it harder for them to take over your lawn.

• Set the mower blades high and let the grass grow longer to make it easier for it to cope with the stress resulting from the summer heat.
• Sharpen your mower blades if they need it. This will give the grass blades a clean cut that reduces the risk of disease.
• Cut most types of grass at a height between 2.5 and 4 inches.

3. Keep your lawn and plants well-watered

Many gardens in the UK don’t get enough rainfall in July. Unless you water your garden regularly, it will struggle to stay healthy.

• Water your lawn thoroughly early in the morning between 8 and 10am before the heat of the day sets in. On very hot July days, water in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Don’t allow a new lawn (seeded in the last nine months) to dry out or it may become damaged. New lawns are more sensitive to heat and dryness.
• Water your outdoor plants and trees at dusk to minimise evaporation due to heat.
• Collect rainwater in water butts and use it to water your garden. It’s healthier for plants and trees than tap water.
• Water the soil at the base of plants and not the foliage, giving the plants enough water for it to pool around the base.
• Apply mulch around the roots of plants that need to retain moisture.
• Water fruits, vegetable crops and sensitive flowers daily if the weather is dry.
• Install automated lawn sprinklers and a drip irrigation system if you don’t have one already. It can save you a lot of work and keep your garden watered while you’re away on holiday.

Image credit: @loveheartsathome

4. Fertilise your lawn, plants and vegetables

You can continue to fertilise your lawn and most plants in July. Follow the instructions that come with the fertilisers you use. Don’t over-fertilise your lawn or plants to make up for the heat and dryness of summer.

• Fertilise the roses you have deadheaded to keep them blooming.
• Feed tomato plants that have pale and yellow leaves with tomato fertiliser.
• Apply a general-purpose fertiliser to your crop plants.
• Boost your cucumber and pepper crops by feeding them a high-potash fertiliser once the fruits begin to form.
• Fertilise your lawn to help it withstand the stress of summer and stay healthy and green.

5. Harvest mid-summer crops

Some July gardening jobs bring rewards faster than others. Your July garden can provide bountiful crops at this point in summer, from fragrant herbs to tasty veg and delicious fruits like cherries, peaches and apricots.

• Pick herbs, dry and freeze them so you can enjoy them during the colder seasons.
• Harvest ripe peaches, nectarines and apricots.
• Harvest blackcurrants and other ripe bush fruits.
• Gather juicy blueberries from your shrubs.
• Pick cherries with care so that you don’t damage the spurs from which the fruits grow.
• Gather shallots once their foliage starts to die.
• Harvest broad beans and runner beans and remove the plants. You can leave the roots in the soil to decompose and release nitrogen.

Tip: Picking cherries with stalks makes the fruits last longer after harvest, but can easily damage the spurs from which the fruits develop. For a rich crop next year, leave the stalks in the tree or pick the cherries carefully without damaging the spurs.

Image credit: @akitafan_jp

6. Prune trees and bushes that need it

Pruning and trimming help to keep your trees and bushes healthy and looking at their best.

• Prune stone fruit trees like peach, plum, apricot and cherry to reduce the risk of disease.
• Prune the stems of harvested blackcurrant bushes.
• Trim garden hedges and conifers to keep them neat.
• Thin out heavy fruit crops. Remove damaged or malformed fruits from your apple, pear and other fruit trees to improve the quality of your autumn crops.

7. Deal with weeds

Weeds thrive in the summer heat so stay vigilant and remove them early on before they can become a problem.

• Hand-weed your flower beds and borders regularly to prevent weeds from settling in them (make sure to water the soil before you start weeding).
• Cut off the seed heads of weeds that have gone to seed before removing the roots and stems with a hand fork or pointed trowel. This way, you prevent the seeds from spreading.
• If weeds proliferate in the heat of summer, apply a targeted weed killer to your lawn.

8. Check for pests and remove them

Many pests won’t mind the heat of July. On the contrary, they can easily proliferate in and out of your greenhouse. You have to stay on your guard or you may run the risk of losing crops and plants.

• Check for aphids and wash them off with a watering can or hose before they take over your runner beans and other crops.
• Keep an eye out for snails, vine weevils and lily beetles.
• Hose away sawfly larvae from your berry bushes once the heat of the day subsides. Or put on a pair of gloves and manually remove them.
• Keep slugs and snails away from your pot plants by applying copper tape to the rim of the pots. The copper plate will give slugs and snails a harmless electric shock, acting as a defence barrier for your plants.
• Look out for powdery mildew on plants. Pluck or cut away affected parts and use a fungicide to keep the disease in check.
• Check the roots of wilted plants for vine weevils and use nematodes to combat them.

Encourage natural predators to do the hard work for you. Image credit: @rymannslandiv

9. Pinch out crop plants and trees that can benefit from it

Pinching out means removing new shoots from the stem or side branches of a plant. It’s a form of pruning that can help balance the foliage and crop production of a plant. It ensures that a bushy plant doesn’t put all its energy into growing greenery at the expense of crops.

• Pinch out tomato side shoots and remove excess leaves below the lower ripening fruit trusses to improve air circulation.
• Pinch out the growing tip of the aubergine plant once it has several fruits.
• Pinch out cucumber side shoots.
• Nip off the growing tips of courgettes and squash plants to promote branching.
• Pinch out the tips of fig side shoots to maximise your fig crop.

10. Mind the small things in your garden

Last but not least, don’t forget about a few small but important jobs you can do in and around your garden at this time of the year.

• Top up water features with water regularly as it will evaporate faster than at other times of the year.
• Clear your pond and fountains of algae and pondweed. Simply scoop it out before it proliferates.
• Remove floating blanket weed from water ponds with a stick. You can compost this weed. But first, allow any small animals that are trapped in it to return to the water.
• Check the supports of outdoor climbers and any other tall plants to ensure they are ready for summer storms.
• Water the greenhouse floor with a watering can to increase humidity.
• Open the door and vents of your greenhouse for better air circulation.

Blanket weed can be dried and composted. Image credit: @peyrefic

What to plant in July

From fast-growing herbs and salad leaves to autumn, winter and spring crops like Brussels sprouts, winter cabbages and Swiss chard, there are plenty of things you can plant in July, both outdoors and in your greenhouse. Plants you can sow now include forget-me-nots, scented annuals like petunia and marigold, and winter and spring-flowering plants.

Let’s take a closer look at the many vegetables and flowers you can plant in July:

Vegetables to plant in July

You can plant more than salad leaves and herbs in your vegetable garden in July. Here’s a list of vegetables to plant in July including both fast and slow crops that you can enjoy next year.

• Sow dill, parsley, basil and other quick-growing herbs in containers.
• Sow lettuce, rocket and other salad leaves regularly during July for a steady supply throughout the rest of the summer.
• Sow fast-growing radishes every few weeks (you can expect a crop in about a month).
• Sow perpetual spinach, outdoor peas, beetroot, endives and runner beans so you can enjoy them before the first frosts.
• Plant Brussels sprouts, sprouting broccoli, dwarf beans and peas early in July to enjoy them in the autumn.
• Sow carrots for an autumn crop (July is the last month you can do it!).
• Sow spring vegetables like spring onions, spring cabbages and Swiss chard.
• Plant winter cabbages, cauliflowers, turnips, leeks, kale and other winter veggies.

Keep container herbs close to the house for easy picking. Image credit:@wilderfolly

Flowers to plant in July

Flower seeds to plant in July include forget-me-nots, geraniums, echinacea, delphinium, pansies, foxgloves and sweet williams. Here are a few more ideas of flowers to plant in July in the UK to add colour and beauty to your garden:

• Fill gaps in your garden beds and borders with scented annuals like petunia, antirrhinum, marigold, alyssum and sweat pea.
• Sow forget-me-nots in any drab areas of your garden by sprinkling the seeds over the ground and gently raking them in.
• Sow in the greenhouse perennials that flower in the summer such as geraniums and echinacea.
• Plant autumn bulbs like sternbergia and colchicums in borders.
• Sow violas in containers for a touch of colour in your winter greenhouse.
• Sow spring-flowering perennials like delphinium, pansies, wallflowers and aquilegia in trays.
• Sow sweet williams, foxgloves and other biennials to enjoy between spring and summer next year.

Image credit: @bishybarnabeescottagegarden

The Wrap Up

As you can see, July can be a busy month for a gardener in the UK but that doesn’t mean you have to toil and sweat to keep things green and colourful in your garden.

Prioritise your gardening tasks according to the weather and tackle them systematically. You can fit most of them early in the morning or in the evening.

Don’t work in your garden during the midday heat. Watering, pruning, trimming or harvesting plants then isn’t healthy. And you also run the risk of heatstroke.

In the end, gardening in July can be a pleasure. Stay organised and don’t do more than you have to. That way, you can enjoy the process of caring for your garden even in the middle of a sweltering summer.

The month of the summer solstice, June is filled with long, sunny days. June’s birth flower is the rose and these spectacular flowers will be coming into bloom, along with peonies, lavender, hydrangea, salvia and decadent dahlias.

From sowing salad crops and pruning fruit trees to planting delicious vegetables and harvesting the first of your strawberries, June is a productive month in the gardening calendar. Keep reading to find out what to do in the garden in June.

Image credit: @country_garden_jottings

Gardening in June: what you should be doing in the garden now

June is the first month of summer and it often brings sustained hot temperatures. As well as keeping on top of watering your plants, there are many other June gardening jobs to keep you busy.

The lawn

1. If you’ve given your lawn a good feed in spring, you should be seeing the benefits in June. Grass growth is at its fastest in June and grass will be coming into flower (bad news for hayfever sufferers). Give the lawn a regular mow – at least once a week to keep it thick and lush.
2. If you’ve recently laid new turf, you’ll need to water it a few times a week, daily in dry weather, for the first month or so.
3. This June was the hottest on record in the UK – if temperatures are high for long periods, weekly mowing won’t be needed but try to mow every 10-14 days.
4. Keep weeds in check by manually removing them or using a spot weedkiller.
5. June is an excellent time to give your lawnmower a little TLC – check the blades and make sure to remove any damp grass from the mower after every cut.
6. If your garden gets a lot of use in summer, it’s a good idea to give worn grassy areas a boost by watering and fertilising them.

Image credit: @amazingcarpathen

The garden

1. June can be a warm, dry month. You’ll need to water your garden daily during dry spells. Early morning or evening is the best time to water plants on hot days. Try not to splash the leaves as you sprinkle.
2. If you have a wisteria, it’ll be going crazy in June, sending masses of long tendrils out after flowering. Keep it in check by cutting the new tendrils back to around 20cm. This will help the plant put its energy into flowering again next year, rather than producing masses of green leaves.
3. As well as tending to fast-growing vines, keep vigorous hedges in check by trimming them every 6 weeks or so.

June is the perfect month for hedge trimming. Image credit: @jones.garden.care

1. Go for a June prune and tidy up shrubs that flowered in spring such as lilac, forsythia and weigela.
2. If you didn’t put plant supports in last month, now’s the time to stake perennials like crocosmia and peonies and support roses. Obelisks and handmade willow supports are attractive options.
3. June is a fabulous month for roses. If yours are suffering from disease, give them a spray. Also, look out for the destructive sawfly larvae which can decimate rose leaves. You can easily pick off the larvae or spray the rose with water to dislodge them.
4. Ever heard of the Chelsea chop? The beginning of June is the perfect time to give late-flowering perennials a trim. You can remove the top shoots from plants like echinacea, lavender, aster, campanula, sedum and helianthus to encourage bushier plants and more flowers. Cut as much as a third from the top of the plant with sharp shears to delay flowering and keep your flowerbeds looking neat throughout summer.

Get Chelsea chopping! Image credit: @the.garden.house

1. If you haven’t already (I can never wait this long!) it’s time to put colourful hanging baskets outside. You might have been growing seedlings in preparation, have one in the greenhouse ready to go, or you can buy bedding plants from the garden centre to make an instant hanging display. You can grow vegetables in hanging baskets too. Make sure to harden off any plants that have been growing indoors over a few days before they make the permanent transition to outdoors.
2. As well as hanging baskets, plant up outdoor containers and flower boxes. You can grow an impressive range of flowers, vegetables and herbs in containers.
3. Get your weed on! The June garden is full of vigorous growth and that includes weeds. Try to fit in a daily walk of the garden, picking out any rogue weeds as you go, it’s an easy way to keep on top of the weeds and stops them from getting out of control. Weeds like bindweed will need to be dug out as they’ll regrow quickly from left-behind roots. 
4. You might be able to harvest lettuce, strawberries, radishes and early potatoes now.

June is strawberry harvesting time. Image credit: @leah.laughs

The greenhouse

1. You can pinch out any tomato side shoots this month. Just remove any new shoots that sprout between each leaf.
2. It’s time to plant out any tender vegetables like beans, courgettes, sweetcorn and tomatoes.
3. You might want to add some shade to your greenhouse to prevent leaf scorch on hot, sunny days.
4. Keep checking for greenhouse pests like snails, red spider mites and whitefly.
5. Make sure that everything in the greenhouse is well-watered and fed. Flowering and fruiting plants will benefit from a weekly feed.

Image credit: @violetgreydecorative

What to plant in June

June is one of the most productive and beautiful months in the gardening calendar. The garden should be looking resplendent with blooming flowers and bushes and (hopefully) a thick, lush lawn.

June is also a safe time to plant everything outside because frosts will be a distant memory. Keep reading to find out what fruit, vegetables and flowers you can sow and plant out in your June garden.

Vegetables to plant in June

Wondering what to sow in June? here’s our pick of the bunch to sow in your garden or allotment:

SOW

Beetroot – Sow seeds where they are to grow in a sunny spot. Cover seeds with an inch of compost.

Cucumbers – Outdoor varieties can be sown outside in a warm sunny patch or a large pot. Cover the seed with an inch of soil. Cucumbers like fertile soil so add in plenty of compost. 

Lettuce and salad leaves – Sow seeds directly outside in rows.

French beans – Sow seeds in pots in a warm spot before transferring the seedlings into the ground. Nasturtium flowers are great companion plants for beans – read more about them below. 

Pak Choi – This easy-to-grow plant can be sown in large pots or into the ground and should germinate quickly.

Peas – Sow peas roughly 3 inches apart into a shallow trench then cover with soil. Make sure you have stakes ready to go!

Radishes – Very easy to grow (great for children) and ready in as little as 4 weeks, sow radish seeds directly into the soil. 

Runner beans – Sow beans directly into the ground, about 2 inches deep. Runner beans will also grow well in large containers.

Pumpkin and Squash – For an autumn feast, sow pumpkin and squash seeds outside now. They’ll need to be spaced at least 3 feet apart and covered with a cloche until they germinate.

Image credit: @plot_162

PLANT OUT

If you’ve started growing vegetable plants indoors, here’s a list of what you can plant outside in June:

Beans (runner and French) – Read more about growing beans.

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage – discover more about growing cabbage.

Celery

Courgettes

Cucumbers – learn more about growing cucumbers.

Sweetcorn – read more about growing sweetcorn.

Tomatoes – find out more about growing tomatoes.

Make sure to harden off young vegetable plants over a few days, gradually extending the time they spend outside before planting them out.  It’s a good idea to feed young vegetable plants weekly, they’ll also need watering regularly.

Young sweetcorn ready for planting out. Image credit: @harvest0622

Flowers to plant in June

To keep your garden in bloom for weeks on end, these are some of the seeds to plant in June which will flower in late summer and early autumn:

Canterbury bells – These sweet little flowers can be sown with just the tiniest covering of soil. They’ll need to be kept moist to germinate.

Coreopsis – You can plant long-flowering coreopsis seeds straight into your garden where they are to grow. Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist.

Delphiniums – These show-stopping, tall flowers look incredible at the back of a border. Sow seeds in pots from Feb to June.

Nasturtiums – Easy to grow, these colourful little flowers can be planted as companions next to beans or used to fill up empty spaces in borders. They’ll also climb up a trellis. Nasturtiums are edible and they’re a fantastic addition to salads and perfect for decorating summer cakes and desserts.

Sweet williams – Sow sweet williams seeds in June for flowers next year. They can be started in pots.

Sunflowers – Perfect for kids, these cheery flowers can still be sown in June. Plant seeds at the beginning of the month. You can pop the seeds into the soil where they are to grow or sow in large containers.

Image credit: @twigsandvines

You can now plant out any flower seedlings that you’ve started indoors like daisies, strawflowers and cosmos. June is a great time for planting colourful shop-bought bedding plants like petunias, alstroemeria, dahlias and geraniums.

Watch out for slugs and snails who love to nibble on new shoots. You can use plastic bottles that are cut off at the top and place them over the seedlings to protect the leaves while they establish, or try some of our other suggestions for keeping snails out of the garden.

Conclusion

The month of June is when you can really begin to reap the fruits of your gardening efforts earlier in the year, both figuratively and literally.

Admire the beautiful blooms, taste the fruit, vegetables and salads of your first harvests and keep on top of watering, mowing, deadheading and pruning to keep your garden looking gorgeous throughout summer and beyond.

Corded electric and cordless battery-powered lawnmowers are becoming increasingly popular, especially if you have a small garden. If you have a medium to large garden, petrol mowers are a good option as they are powerful, easy to use and deliver excellent cut quality and neat finishes.

Although 2-stroke lawn mowers are still available, most petrol lawn mowers have 4-stroke engines as they provide steady, consistent power, are more fuel efficient and are less noisy than 2-stroke engines.

Four-stroke machines are also more environmentally friendly than 2-stroke engines, where burnt oil is released into the air with the exhaust.

Choosing the 4-stroke petrol mower most suited to your garden’s size and layout can be difficult, considering the variety of 4-stroke lawn mowers available.

We have compiled a list of eight 4-stroke lawnmowers to guide you in choosing the mower that best suits your requirements.

Our Top 4-Stroke Lawn Mower Picks

The following are what we consider to be the top 4-stroke lawnmowers.

Best for Large Gardens	Hyundai 196cc Petrol Lawnmower 4.4 N/A	Check Latest Price »
Best for Reliability	Honda Izy HRG 466 SK 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower 4.1 N/A	Check Latest Price »
Best Value for Money	Webb Classic WER410 SP Self-Propelled Petrol Mower 4.4 £249.99	Check Latest Price »
Best for Small Gardens	Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower 4.6 £239.00	Check Latest Price »
Best for Big Lawns	Cobra MX534SPH 53cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower 4.2 N/A	Check Latest Price »
Best for Medium-Sized Gardens	Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower 4.4 £258.97	Check Latest Price »
Best for Ease of Use	Stihl RM 448 VC 4-Stroke Petrol Mower 4.3 N/A	Check Latest Price »
Best 4-Stroke Ride-On Mower	Cub Cadet LR1MR76Compact Rear-Collect Ride-On Mower 4.6 N/A	Check Latest Price »

Best for Large Gardens

Hyundai 196cc Petrol Lawnmower

4.4

N/A

Check Latest Price »

Best for Reliability

Honda Izy HRG 466 SK 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

4.1

N/A

Check Latest Price »

Best Value for Money

Webb Classic WER410 SP Self-Propelled Petrol Mower

4.4

£249.99

Check Latest Price »

Best for Small Gardens

Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower

4.6

£239.00

Check Latest Price »

Best for Big Lawns

Cobra MX534SPH 53cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower

4.2

N/A

Check Latest Price »

Best for Medium-Sized Gardens

Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

4.4

£258.97

Check Latest Price »

Best for Ease of Use

Stihl RM 448 VC 4-Stroke Petrol Mower

4.3

N/A

Check Latest Price »

Best 4-Stroke Ride-On Mower

Cub Cadet LR1MR76Compact Rear-Collect Ride-On Mower

4.6

N/A

Check Latest Price »

Best 4-Stroke Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2023

Listed below are our reviews of the top 4-stroke lawnmowers for 2023.

• HyundaiHYM510SP 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower
• Honda Izy HRG 466 SK Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
• Webb Classic WER410 SP Self-Propelled Petrol Mower
• Mountfield HP41 Petrol Mower
• Cobra MX534SPH Petrol Rotary Lawn Mower
• Sprint 420SP Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
• Stihl RM 448 VC 4-Stroke Petrol Mower
• Cub Cadet LR1MR76Compact Rear-Collect Ride-On Mower

Hyundai HYM510SP 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower

Best Petrol Rotary Mower 

Hyundai 196cc Petrol Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 196 cc
• Drive System: Self-Propelled
• Cutting Width: 51cm
• Cutting height: 25mm to 75mm
• Bag Collection: 70L
• Weight: 38.7kg

The Hyundai HYM510SP has a powerful 4-stroke petrol engine that is started via a recoil pull-start. A self-propelled motor drives the larger rear wheels so there is no need to push the lawn mower. Just walk behind the it, guiding it in the direction you want to go.

A 51cm cutting width and a large 70L grass box on the HYM510 SP allow you to work on medium and large lawns. The grass box features a level indicator that makes it easy to know when it needs to be emptied and the box is easy to remove and put back on.

You can adjust the cutting height to suit your requirements and the growing season. There are six cutting height options, ranging from 25mm to 75mm, and they are quick and easy to adjust using a simple central lever.

This mower has 4-in1 cutting options; 1) cut and mulch, 2) cut and collect in the rear collection box, 3) side discharge, and 4) rear discharge.

The Hyundai HYM510SP includes a mulching plug, not the case with many other brands. With a mulching plug, the clippings are cut into tiny pieces and spread back over the lawn, adding moisture and nutrients to improve your lawn’s condition.

Foldable handles make this mower compact and easy to transport and store. A garden hose connector is included so that the underside of the deck and the blade can easily be cleaned by running the machine while the garden hose is connected.

A 3-year Platinum Hyundai warranty is a great advantage, and for safety, it includes the OPC (Operator Presence Control) lever to stop the engine as soon as it is released.

This powerful, well-made lawn mower is built for performance and durability and is an excellent choice for more extensive gardens.

Pros:

• Easy to start
• Powerful 4-stroke engine
• Low fuel consumption
• Mulching plug included
• 70L grass collection box
• Rear/side discharge
• Easy cutting height adjustment

Cons:

• Single-speed self-propelled

Honda Izy HRG 466 SK Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Honda Izy HRG 466 SK 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 160cc
• Drive System: Self-Propelled
• Cutting Width: 46cm
• Cutting height: 20mm to 74mm
• Bag Collection: 55L
• Weight: 32kg

Honda is a brand known for its hard-working, durable and reliable engines. The Honda Izy HRG 466 SK has a powerful 160cc engine that is self-propelled, making it easy to guide around your garden. It has a built-in auto choke and the recoil start is easy to use and reliable.

The cutting deck is constructed of lightweight pressed steel, is built to last and is powder coated for additional protection against corrosion and UV rays. With a cutting width of 46cm, the deck features Honda’s Intelligent blade, designed to twist rather than break when it hits a solid object.

You can choose from six cutting heights ranging from 20mm to 74mm. These are easily set by adjusting two levers, one on the front and one on the back, making your lawnmower ready for any length you need. It is ideal for medium-sized gardens of up to 1200m2.

A 55-litre high airflow grass collection bag made from ultra-fine mesh, combined with the rotating blades, creates a vacuum that ensures maximum collection without affecting the airflow. When cutting wet grass, you can remove the back and let it discharge from the rear.

This Honda Izy HRG 466 SK can be used to mulch, but an optional mulching kit must be purchased separately.

The powerful self-propulsion makes it perfect to use in gardens with banks or slopes. The Honda Izy HRG 466 SK is easy to use with a durable solid build that will provide you with years of reliable service and an excellent quality cut.

Pros:

• Efficient, reliable engine
• Easy to start and use
• 55L efficient collection bag
• Solid and durable steel-cutting deck
• 5-year Warranty (subject to regular services by an authorised dealer)

Cons:

• Fairly expensive
• Does not create a striped finish

Webb Classic WER410 SP Self-Propelled Petrol Mower

Best 4-Sroke Lawn Mower for Best Value for Money

Webb Classic WER410 SP Self-Propelled Petrol Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 132cc
• Drive System: Self-Propelled
• Cutting Width: 41cm
• Cutting height: 25mm to 75mm
• Bag Collection: 45L
• Weight: 26kg

The Webb WER410SP is a self-propelled lawn mower for small to medium-sized gardens. With a compact 41cm cutting width and weighing 26 kg, it is easy to manoeuvre and performs well when moving around obstacles and cutting uphill. It copes well on rough and uneven lawns.

This mower is powered by a robust and powerful 4-stroke engine developed by Webb, a reliable British brand renowned for quality and performance. The Webb DVO 130 132cc engine is fuel efficient, with low vibrations and quiet operation.

Fitted with a rugged 41cm steel cutter deck, the WebbWER410SP has a single lever to adjust the cutting height to seven different positions ranging from 25mm to 75mm, allowing you to choose the most effective blade position to suit the grass conditions.

Grass clippings can be collected in a 45-litre capacity grass catcher, or if the grass is wet or long, the clippings can be discharged to the rear.

Pros:

• Great build quality
• Good Value for money
• Robust steel deck
• Self-propelled – easy to manoeuvre

Cons:

• No mulching or side discharge
• No grass box full indicator

Mountfield HP41 Petrol Mower

Best for Ease of Use

Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 123cc
• Drive System: Push-propelled
• Cutting Width: 39cm
• Cutting height: 25mm to 70mm
• Bag Collection: 40L
• Weight: 19kg

The Mountfield HP41 is a hand-propelled petrol-driven lawnmower with a 39cm cutting width. This mower is ideal for small-sized gardens up to 250m2 and is excellent value for money.

Powered by a 4-stroke, 123cc STIGA ST 120 Autochoke engine, the HP41 is very easy to start, with a standard recoil rope system.

Constructed with a rugged, rust-resistant polypropylene chassis, the Mountfield HP41 is sturdily built and very lightweight, making the mower easy to manoeuvre even though it is not self-propelled and has to be pushed.

Each wheel is fitted with a height adjuster, offering five pre-set cutting positions ranging from 25mm to 70mm for successfully managing longer, rougher grass.

All trimmings are collected into the textile grass bag which has a capacity of 40 litres and is easy to remove and empty. The handle is easily folded down for compact storage and easy transportation.

Pros:

• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Polypropylene chassis – no rust
• Easy to start
• Powerful motor for cutting width
• 5-year Warranty subject to annual servicing

Cons:

• Height of each wheel has to be adjusted individually

Cobra MX534SPH Petrol Rotary Lawn Mower

Best Mulching Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Cobra MX534SPH 53cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 167cc
• Drive System: Self-Propelled
• Cutting Width: 53cm
• Cutting height: 25mm to 75mm
• Bag Collection: 65L
• Weight: 38kg

The Cobra MX534SPH self-propelled lawn mower has a 4-speed gearbox, a cutting width of 53cm and comes fitted with a reliable 167cc 4-stroke Honda GCVX170 engine that is easy to start using the cord attached to one side of the handlebar.

A four-speed self-propulsion system allows you to select your preferred walking pace. From a slow 2.5kph that will enable you to move around obstacles, to a fast walking speed of 3.9kph, this mower will take the strain off mowing more extensive lawns.

This mower comes with a 53cm cutting deck making it ideal for large lawns of more than 700m2, and it can be adjusted with a lever to select one of six cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm. The MX534SPH cuts grass effectively, irrespective of how long or wet the grass is.

This model allows you to mow in three ways: conventionally using the 65-litre grass collector, downwards mulching, and sideways mulching where the cuttings are thrown out of the side using the included chute.

Pros:

• 4-speed self-propulsion system
• Powerful engine
• Wide cutting deck
• Multiple mulching options
• Reliable and fuel-efficient 4-stroke engine

Cons:

• Noisy

Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Best Self-Propelled

Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 125cc
• Drive System: Self-Propelled
• Cutting Width: 42cm
• Cutting height: 28mm to 92mm
• Bag Collection: 60L
• Weight: 25.2kg

With a Briggs & Stratton 300E 125cc engine, the Sprint is a powerful, compact, lightweight self-propelled 4-stroke petrol lawn mower.

This mower has a durable steel cutting deck of 42cm, which, combined with the 60-litre grass collection bag, makes it suitable for medium-sized lawns. The clippings can either be collected in the grass bag or discharged from the back of the mower.

Six cutting heights ranging from 28mm to 92mm are easily adjustable using two levers. The handle height can be adjusted for maximum comfort and folded to reduce space when storing or transporting.

Even though it is constructed from steel, the mower only weighs 25.2kg making it easy to carry and transport. Its light weight makes it simple to use and manoeuvre. It works well in wet and dry weather and the self-propelled speed of 3.6kph is acceptable for most gardeners.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Self-propelled function is set at an acceptable speed
• Cutting height is easy to adjust
• Works well in wet weather

Cons:

• Oil must be purchased separately

Stihl RM 448 VC 4-Stroke Petrol Mower

Best 4-Stroke Petrol Mower for Ease of Use

Stihl RM 448 VC 4-Stroke Petrol Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 166cc
• Drive System: Self-Propelled
• Cutting Width: 46cm
• Cutting height: 25mm to 76mm
• Bag Collection: 55L
• Weight: 28kg

The Stihl RM 448 C is a 4-stroke 166cc petrol mower with a 46cm polymer cutting deck suitable for cutting lawns up to 1200 square metres. With Ready/Start technology, the engine can be reliably started up, whether the engine is cold or warm.

A sturdy, unique, height-adjustable mono handlebar system makes emptying the grass collection box simple and quick. The handlebar can also be folded to allow for compact storage or transport.

This Stihl model features variable self-propulsion that moves the mower from a slow to a faster walking pace by pushing or pulling the lever on the handlebar. The central-cutting height adjustment is spring-loaded, making it easy to set the cutting height to one of six settings ranging from 25-76mm.

The Highlift blade on the Stihl rm 448 C gives the lawn a clean, precise finish and ensures optimal filling of the 55-litre grass collection box. The grass level indicator on the box will show you when it needs to be emptied.

The lightweight polymer housing combines robustness with protection from heat and UV radiation.

This unit weighs only 28 kg, and with easy-running wheels equipped with a traction pattern and directional stability tread pattern, it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable for mowing for long periods.

Pros:

• Powerful engine
• Height-adjustable mono handlebar system
• Easy removal of the grass collection bag
• Spring-loaded height adjustment
• Easy to store

Cons:

• Mulching kit has to be purchased as an additional extra

Cub Cadet LR1MR76Compact Rear-Collect Ride-On Mower

Best 4-Stroke Ride-On Mower

Cub Cadet LR1MR76Compact Rear-Collect Ride-On Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Power (engine size): 382cc
• Drive System: Ride-On
• Cutting Width: 76cm
• Cutting height: 38mm to 95mm
• Bag Collection: 200L
• Weight: 145kg

If want to upgrade your walk-behind mower to a ride-on mower compact enough to fit through narrow spaces, the Cub Cadet LR1 MR76 is a practical choice with its space-saving design and ability to cover expansive areas quickly.

The LR1 MR76 is powered by a 382cc single-cylinder OHV, 4-stroke electric start engine manufactured by Club Cadet and has a 4.9-litre fuel tank that helps reduce the times you have to refuel.

Cub Cadet has equipped this model with a six-speed, foot-pedal-operated Transmatic drive, and it has a tight 46cm turning circle that ensures that obstacles and tricky corners are negotiated without any trouble.

The CUB Cadet LR1 MR76 has three mowing modes (collection, rear discharge, and mulching), enabling you to select the mode that would be most effective for the conditions, and it comes with a 200-litre grass collection bag.

A five-step cutting height ranging from 38-95mm allows you to adjust the deck to suit the length of the grass, getting the finish you desire. Turf-saver tyres provide good traction and ensure the mower’s weight does not damage the lawn surface.

Pros:

• Powerful 4-stroke engine
• Six-speed Transmatic drive
• Three mowing modes
• 200-litre grass bag
• Compact and easy to store
• Easy height adjustment using a lever

Cons:

• Best suited for more expansive gardens

How to Buy the Best 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mowers

There are several factors to consider when buying a 4-stroke petrol mower to ensure you get the best value for money and the mower that’s best suited to your garden.

Size and Type of Garden

Not all gardens are the same and what you need from a 4-stroke petrol lawn mower will depend on the requirements of your garden.

For example, if you have a large open garden, a large cutting width is better, however, if you have intricate spaces and obstacles to cut around, a more compact and manoeuvrable mower will be more suitable.

Propulsion Type

Petrol mowers can be categorised by propulsion type and how they are used.

Push Lawn Mowers must be pushed to mow your grass. They are small and best suited to flat areas of 800m2 or less with obstacles such as flower beds as they are easier to handle.

Self-propelled Mowers have a drive system (like a car) that pushes the mower forward once engaged. All you need to do is steer. They are best for sloped lawns and gardens exceeding 700m2.

Ride-on Mowers are designed for large areas of land of over 2500m2 but can be used on smaller gardens of at least 1500m2 if you are looking for comfort and want to complete the task quickly.

Engine Power and Capacity

The power of 4-stroke petrol lawnmowers is indicated by the capacity of their engines which is measured in cc (cubic centimetres). The engine size you require will depend on the size and terrain of your garden. The higher the cc, the better it can cut long, wet grass and tackle more challenging landscapes.

Cutting Width

The cutting width of push and self-propelled 4-stroke lawnmowers can range from 40 to 56cm depending on the model. The wider the cutting width, the less time it will take to mow, especially if you have an open stretch of lawn.

If your garden has obstacles to navigate, such as trees and garden beds, a lawnmower with a narrower cutting width may be advisable.

Cutting Height

Lawnmowers can have four to eight cutting height settings ranging from 15 to 75mm. Adjustable heights allow you to set the cutting blades to suit the length and thickness of the grass. A well-trimmed lawn should be cut to a height of around 20 to 30mm.

Grass Box

Emptying the grass box less often will cut down on your mowing time. A collection bag with a minimum capacity of 50L will be adequate for a surface area of up to 1200m2. More extensive gardens would require a bag with a greater holding capacity.

Mulching

A lawnmower with a mulching option is worth considering. Mulching can make your soil richer and save time due to not having to empty the collection bag if mowing a large lawn.

Quality of Mower Deck

The deck’s strength will vary depending on the material used to make it. Lightweight decks constructed from polypropylene or aluminium may be durable for regular small to medium gardens.

Steel or die-cast aluminium decks will be more robust but heavier and are recommended for thick overgrown areas or professional use.

Lawnmower Weight

Some lawnmowers are heavy and can be challenging to move to the storage area or to transport.

Electric or Manual Ignition

Most quality lawnmower models use a manual recoil start consisting of a cord fitted with a pull handle to drive the motor and start the lawnmower. Although they work effectively, an Electric Ignition is a convenient feature, especially if you don’t have much strength in your arms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a 4-stroke lawn mower engine work?

A 4-stroke engine is an internal combustion engine that utilises four piston strokes (intake, compression, power and exhaust) to complete one operating cycle. In those 4-strokes, the piston goes around twice in the engine, so the spark plug fires every other rotation.

A complete operation in a 4-stroke engine requires two revolutions (720 deg) of the crankshaft. There are two separate valves in a 4-stroke engine, one for intake and one for exhaust.

How often should you replace the oil on a 4-stroke lawn mower?

The oil on a 4-stroke lawn mower should be changed at least once a year. Old oil must be drained completely, replace the oil filter and then re-fill with new oil. Oil levels must be checked before use and topped up if necessary.

What oil should be used for a 4-stroke lawn mower?

SAE-30 is a suitable oil for your mower, however, referring to your owner’s manual is still advisable. If you are mowing in cold winter temperatures, then it is advisable to use a multi-grade motor oil such as 5W30 or 10W30

How often do you need to change spark plugs on a 4-stroke lawn mower?

It is recommended to replace the spark plugs once a year or after 30 engine hours to ensure that your engine remains at optimum performance. Your lawn mower needs regular annual maintenance, so replacing spark plugs as part of your maintenance routine is advisable.

Conclusion

Selecting the correct mower with the wide variety of 4-stroke lawnmowers available on the market can be difficult. You must assess the property you maintain and decide what size and power level you need.

We trust that you can choose the lawnmower best suited to your requirements after considering all the recommended 4-stroke mowers and what to look for as detailed in this guide. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the feedback section below.

It’s an iconic image: the guy in a dressing gown, shorts and Crocs, out on the front lawn on a Sunday morning, beer in one hand, hosepipe in the other. But there are very good reasons why you don’t want to be (and shouldn’t be) that guy.

The person you want to be (and should be) is the one sitting in their front room reading the newspaper while outside a sprinkler is watering the lawn for them. Here’s our guide to the best lawn sprinklers on the market.

Our Garden Sprinklers Top Picks

Best Rotary for Large Gardens	Hozelock Rotating Pro Garden Sprinkler 4.2 £21.48	Check Latest Price »
Best Oscillating for Medium Gardens	Gardena Aqua S Rectangular Garden Sprinkler 4.4 £15.18	Check Latest Price »
Best Oscillating for Large Gardens	Kärcher Premium Oscillating Sprinkler - OS 5.320SV 4.4 £33.75	Check Latest Price »
Best Rotary for Small to Medium Gardens	Wisdomwell Rotary Garden Sprinkler 4.3 £11.99	Check Latest Price »
Best Rotary for Medium Gardens	Madeking Garden Sprinkler 4.4 £9.99	Check Latest Price »
Best Bar for Large Gardens	Cost Wise Lawn Bar Garden Sprinkler 4.4 £13.99	Check Latest Price »
Best Rotary for Small Gardens	Htly Spr Rotary Garden Sprinkler 4.3 £9.99	Check Latest Price »
Best Travelling for Very Large Gardens	Nelson RainTrain Travelling Sprinkler 4.5 £100.12	Check Latest Price »
Best Impact for Medium Gardens	Orbit 55200 Pulse Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler 4.4 £126.11	Check Latest Price »
Best Impact for Large Gardens	Wisdomwell Pulsating Long-Range Impact Sprinkler 4.3 £12.99	Check Latest Price »

Best Rotary for Large Gardens

Hozelock Rotating Pro Garden Sprinkler

4.2

£21.48

Check Latest Price »

Best Oscillating for Medium Gardens

Gardena Aqua S Rectangular Garden Sprinkler

4.4

£15.18

Check Latest Price »

Best Oscillating for Large Gardens

Kärcher Premium Oscillating Sprinkler - OS 5.320SV

4.4

£33.75

Check Latest Price »

Best Rotary for Small to Medium Gardens

Wisdomwell Rotary Garden Sprinkler

4.3

£11.99

Check Latest Price »

Best Rotary for Medium Gardens

Madeking Garden Sprinkler

4.4

£9.99

Check Latest Price »

Best Bar for Large Gardens

Cost Wise Lawn Bar Garden Sprinkler

4.4

£13.99

Check Latest Price »

Best Rotary for Small Gardens

Htly Spr Rotary Garden Sprinkler

4.3

£9.99

Check Latest Price »

Best Travelling for Very Large Gardens

Nelson RainTrain Travelling Sprinkler

4.5

£100.12

Check Latest Price »

Best Impact for Medium Gardens

Orbit 55200 Pulse Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler

4.4

£126.11

Check Latest Price »

Best Impact for Large Gardens

Wisdomwell Pulsating Long-Range Impact Sprinkler

4.3

£12.99

Check Latest Price »

3 reasons why you shouldn’t be watering the lawn yourself

I can’t be sure but I suspect somewhere along the line everyone got the idea that the people with sprinklers were just too lazy to water the lawn themselves. In fact, the opposite is true: setting up a lawn sprinkler takes a little time and effort but it’s well worth it.

Here are 3 very good reasons why you shouldn’t be watering the lawn yourself:

Hosepipes waste water

There’s no way you can tell how much water you’re using or whether it’s too much or too little. Chances are, by the time you’re done, some parts of your garden are going to be waterlogged while others are just barely moist.

Hosepipes are inefficient 

Not only are hosepipes wasteful of water, a limited resource, but they’re also grossly inefficient. Sprinklers, on the other hand, spray water evenly across a wide area in fine droplets that are easily absorbed into the soil.

Hosepipes can be a waste of time 

Watering the garden by hand is time-consuming and stepping in puddles is not nearly as relaxing as it sounds. You’d be better off taking a nap or re-watching an episode of the Great British Bake-Off.

That being said, there are times when a hosepipe is the best solution, so they are still needed. You might need to clean paving, water pot plants, or target specific areas. You will also need a quality hosepipe to get the water to your sprinkler. 

The Best Sprinklers to Buy in 2023

Keep reading to discover our pick of the best lawn sprinklers and make that lush golf-course-looking turf a reality.

• Hozelock Rotating Pro Garden Sprinkler
• Gardena Aqua S Rectangular Garden Sprinkler
• Kärcher Premium Oscillating Garden Sprinkler
• Wisdomwell Rotary Garden Sprinkler
• Madeking Garden Sprinkler
• Cost Wise Lawn Bar Garden Sprinkler
• HTLY SPR Garden Sprinkler
• Nelson RainTrain Travelling Sprinkler
• Orbit 55200 Pulse Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler
• Wisdomwell Pulsating Long-Range Impact Sprinkler

Hozelock Rotating Pro Garden Sprinkler

Best Rotary Sprinkler for Large Gardens

Hozelock Rotating Pro Garden Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Circular or semicircular / spray or jet 
• Radius: 20m in diameter / 314m²
• Water Pressure: 3 bar
• Durability: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5

The Hozelock Pro has two spray patterns, a 360° rotating head and a hydraulic motor for even watering. Its coverage area of 314m² makes it suitable for lawns, flower beds and vegetable gardens. 

The sprinkler head is fitted atop a solid metal spike that, once driven into the lawn, provides a secure, stable platform that won’t tilt or move out of position.

To accommodate irregularly-shaped gardens, the pattern can be adjusted so it only sprays a triangular segment of the full circle.

Pro tip: If the earth is dry, the spike can be hard to drive home. Rather than pushing down too hard on the sprinkler head and possibly damaging it, soak the ground until it’s soft enough to receive the spike.

 Pros:

• Good for large areas
• Good for irregularly-shaped gardens 

Cons: 

• Hozelock Pro sprinklers that stop turning need lubrication to start turning again 
• Can be quite noisy 

Gardena Aqua S Rectangular Garden Sprinkler 

Best Oscillating Sprinkler for Medium Gardens

Gardena Aqua S Rectangular Garden Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Oscillating
• Radius: 90-220m²
• Water Pressure: 2 bar
• Durability: 4/5
• Ease of use: 5/5

This sprinkler is made from UV and frost-resistant plastic. A rust-resistant, easily removable, tap-washable metal filter keeps dirt out of the mechanism. Limescale build-up in the nozzles can be removed with a handy pin on the underside of the sprinkler screw cap. You can adjust the angle of the nozzles with the sliders on each end of the sprinkler head.

By combining the sliders (the 2 orange sliders that control the width of the spray) and the little knob that sets the rate of flow, it’s possible to water a specific area.

 Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Portable
• Lightweight 

Cons: 

• Not suitable for large areas
• Not as powerful or durable as some other sprinklers
• Too much water pressure so it moves around 

Kärcher Premium Garden Sprinkler

Best Oscillating Sprinkler for Large Gardens

Kärcher Premium Oscillating Sprinkler - OS 5.320SV

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Oscillating, circular or rectangular 
• Radius: 320m²
• Water Pressure: Up to 4 bar
• Durability: 5/5
• Ease of use: 4/5 

With the Premium sprinkler, Kärcher has indeed reinvented rain. It is well-built, highly configurable and well worth the extra few pounds. 

It comes with built-in metal prongs that anchor it in place, an internal filter to keep the mechanism dirt-free and a cleaning pin to remove limescale. It has a protection lever that lets you adjust the settings without getting drenched or you can just switch it off at the tap.

Pro tip: Watching a couple of YouTube videos before setting it up will save you from having to decipher a user manual that is as much a hindrance as it is a help.

 Pros:

• Copes well with low pressure
• Solid build
• Highly configurable 

Cons: 

• A hose adapter must be bought separately 

Wisdomwell Rotary Garden Sprinkler

Best Rotary Sprinkler for Small to Medium Gardens

Wisdomwell Rotary Garden Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Rotary 
• Radius: 324m²
• Water Pressure: 2.5 – 4 bar
• Durability: 5/5
• Ease of use: 5/5

The Wisdomwell is made of plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), the same material as Lego. It’s an extremely tough plastic polymer that’s highly resistant to water, temperature differentials and ultraviolet light. It was specifically designed to keep its shape regardless of circumstances.

Each of the three swivel arms has 4 nozzles; one vertical and 3 adjustable. The nozzle angles (15-45°) are used to control the swivel speed.

Pro Tip: The Wisdomwell doesn’t come with the pin accessory used to remove limescale build-up from the nozzles but a 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water in a squirt bottle will do the trick. Spray it on then come back in 30 minutes and scrub clean.

 Pros:

• Good value-for-money
• Easy to assemble 
• Easily configurable for a wide variety of pattern options 

Cons: 

• The area it covers depends entirely on how good your water pressure is

Madeking Garden Sprinkler

Best Rotary Sprinkler for Medium Gardens

Madeking Garden Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Rotary
• Radius: 324m²
• Water Pressure: 2.5 – 4 bar
• Durability: 5/5
• Ease of use: 5/5 

 The Madeking is identical to the Wisdomwell, apart from the design of the base, the cost and one key feature…

The Madeking can accommodate two hosepipes at the same time while Wisdomwell needs a two-way adapter (a European double-pass, included in the package).

The nozzle-cleaning tip outlined above applies here as well. Bear in mind that limescale must be removed regularly. If allowed to build up, it goes rock hard.

 Pros:

• Good value-for-money
• Easy to use and install
• Sturdy and durable 

Cons: 

• Inclined to leak if the water pressure exceeds 4 bar

Cost Wise Lawn Bar Garden Sprinkler

Best Bar Sprinkler for Large Gardens

Cost Wise Lawn Bar Garden Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Oscillating 
• Radius: 312m² at 2 bar, 624m² at 4
• Water Pressure: 1.4-5.5 bar
• Durability: 4/5
• Ease of use: 5/5 

Oscillating sprinklers wave to and fro. The Cost Wise is a rectangular bar oscillating sprinkler with a single row of nozzles that can be adjusted independently. The length of the spray is contingent on the water pressure which is also adjustable. Orange sliders limit the spray zone.

There is a nozzle-cleaning pin embedded in the case, just press and twist to release it.

This sprinkler was not meant to live outdoors. You’ll need to bring it in over winter and when not in use.

 Pros:

• Affordable
• Highly configurable
• Includes a descaling accessory 

Cons: 

• Susceptible to the elements 

HTLY SPR Rotary Garden Sprinkler

Best Rotary Sprinkler for Small Gardens

Htly Spr Rotary Garden Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Rotary 
• Radius: 336m²
• Water Pressure: 2.5-4 bar
• Durability: 5/5 
• Ease of use: 5/5 

To clear up any confusion, I should point out that rotary sprinklers are not the same as impact sprinklers.

Impact sprinklers employ a spring to turn in a circle. The swivel head advances by degrees. Rotary sprinklers use water pressure to advance continuously. The motion of an impact sprinkler is jerky while a rotary’s action is smooth. Impact sprinklers tend to be noisy and require more maintenance. 

While still affordable, the HTLY SPR costs a bit more than other sprinklers but it’s made of ABS which is a lot more durable than other plastics.

The setup controls can produce a circular pattern, a fan pattern or a straight stream.

 Pros:

• Cost-efficient
• Durable
• Easy to use 

Cons: 

• While durable, it’s not as durable as some of the other sprinklers available on the market
• Getting the precise pattern you’re looking for can be challenging but not impossible 

Nelson RainTrain Travelling Sprinkler

Best Travelling Sprinkler for Very Large Gardens

Nelson RainTrain Travelling Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Circular Pulse 
• Radius: 1254m²
• Water Pressure: 2.5-5 bar
• Durability: 4/5 
• Ease of use: 4/5

Travelling sprinklers are a bit like having a model railway in your backyard. A sprinkler head on wheels uses water pressure and an ingenious system of plastic gears to drive itself along the length of a hose. 

Travelling sprinklers are great for watering long, unbroken stretches of lawn. The Nelson RainTrain covers a distance of 61m. If you want to contain the spray within a narrow margin, you angle the spray arms slightly downward. For a wider spray, you angle them up.

Would it have killed them to include an engineer in a little cab and a woot-woot whistle every 10m? Seriously, I can’t find a single negative comment about the RainTrain. Everyone who bought one loves it to bits and praises it to the skies.

 Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Versatile
• Very durable 

Cons: 

• A potential tripping hazard

Orbit 55200 Pulse Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler

Best Impact Sprinkler for Medium Gardens

Orbit 55200 Pulse Pop-Up Impact Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: circular impact 
• Radius: 12m
• Water Pressure: 1.38-5 bar
• Durability: 4/5 
• Ease of use: 4/5 

Impact sprinklers are the most versatile and use the least water. They can be used for dust suppression and fire protection as well as irrigation. This sprinkler sits in a cup under the lawn and pops up when triggered.

Impact sprinklers need regular maintenance. Because there are more moving parts than other sprinklers, there’s more to go wrong. The sprinkler head and the water line have to be buried under the lawn so they’re also harder to set up.

That said, they’re also the most aesthetically pleasing because everything is hidden from view. 

Pros:

• Versatile
• Hidden from view
• Conserve water 

Cons: 

• Requires regular attention
• Takes longer to set up 
• More expensive than other types 

Wisdomwell Pulsating Long-Range Impact Sprinkler

Best Impact Sprinkler for Large Gardens

Wisdomwell Pulsating Long-Range Impact Sprinkler

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Pattern: Circular Pulse
• Radius: 8-10m
• Water Pressure: 2.5-5 bar
• Durability: 5/5 
• Ease of use: 5/5 

This is a solid, workmanlike piece of no-frills kit that gets the job done.

While the Orbit lives under the lawn, the Wisdomwell lives on top of it. As such, you can move it around to different parts of the garden. The Wisdomwell has a built-in timer so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off.

 Pros:

• Water conserving 
• Adjustable coverage
• Made of ABS
• Stream or spray 
• Built-in timer 

Cons: 

• Fairly expensive

How to Buy the Best Garden Sprinklers 

When it comes to selecting sprinklers, we’re spoiled for choice. There are a lot of really good sprinklers out there and they’re all reasonably priced. To choose between them we have to satisfy the following conditions:

Water pressure

If your water pressure is good, all you have to do is pick a sprinkler compatible with the size of your garden. If it’s poor, if opening one tap causes another to slow to a dribble, you need a sprinkler that’s designed to make the most of low pressure.

The type of sprinkler

There are oscillating, rotating, and impact sprinklers. Each type has its pros and cons. All of them offer the choice between spray, which is gentler and slower but takes longer, and stream, which is quicker.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How often should I water my lawn?

You can drive yourself nuts figuring out how much rain has fallen, how much water various kinds of plants need, the consistency of the soil and how well it retains moisture, etc.

Rather than trying to establish a schedule, skip all that and get your hands on a nice, big screwdriver. Make a hole in the soil with it, then stick your finger in the hole.

At a depth of 5-6cm, if the soil feels dry, run the sprinkler for a while, watering slowly so that it has time to soak in, then test again. Keep doing that until the soil is damp to a depth of 15cm. This is called bringing the root zone up to field capacity.

The golden rule is to water deeply and infrequently. This way, your plants grow deep roots, making them drought-resistant.

When should I water?

Water early in the morning before the sun gets too hot so you don’t lose too much to evaporation.

How much water does a garden sprinkler use?

Watering with a typical sprinkler using a standard 1.5cm garden hose for one hour uses nearly 4000 litres of water; if you water twice a week, that’s about 32,000 litres a month.

Conclusion

Sprinklers are essential to that lush, smooth golf course look and healthy, properly-watered lawns will be able to resist weeds and pests. Evenly-applied watering loosens soil that has become compacted and improves drainage. By encouraging the growth of deep roots, the lawn is more resistant to drought.

For animal lovers, their pets are among the most important aspects of their lives. They often have large gardens for dogs to run around in or for cats, rabbits and tortoises to explore. However, these gardens need to be maintained and the grass often needs to be mowed.

If you’re a pet owner, finding the right lawn mower to maintain your garden without disturbing your pets is important. We’ve compiled a list of 7 pet-safe lawn mowers which are ideal for use around animals. 

Our TOP Pet-Friendly Lawn Mower Picks

Here are our top picks of the best lawn mowers for pet owners to buy in 2023.

Best for Sloped Gardens	Einhell Freelexo 1200 LCD BT Robotic Lawn Mower 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best Mulching	Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best for Large Gardens	WORX Landroid M WR141E Robot Lawn Mower 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best for Uneven Terrain	BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower 4.2	Check Latest Price »
Best Robotic for Small Gardens	LANDXCAPE LX799 300m2 Robotic Mower 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best Compact	Lawn Master 33cm 1500W Electric Hover Mower 4.6	Check Latest Price »
Best for Complex Gardens	Gardena Sileno City 300 Robotic Lawn Mower 4.4	Check Latest Price »

Best for Sloped Gardens

Einhell Freelexo 1200 LCD BT Robotic Lawn Mower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Mulching

Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best for Large Gardens

WORX Landroid M WR141E Robot Lawn Mower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best for Uneven Terrain

BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower

4.2

Check Latest Price »

Best Robotic for Small Gardens

LANDXCAPE LX799 300m2 Robotic Mower

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best Compact

Lawn Master 33cm 1500W Electric Hover Mower

4.6

Check Latest Price »

Best for Complex Gardens

Gardena Sileno City 300 Robotic Lawn Mower

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Let us take a closer look at each of these mower options.

Best Lawn Mowers for Pet Owners to Buy in 2023

When it comes to choosing a lawn mower for a pet owner, the biggest concern is noise levels. Like humans, animals cannot be exposed to noise over a certain decibel as it can cause hearing loss or pain. It is therefore important to find a quiet mower that will get the job done.

There are many types of lawn mowers available, ranging from push mowers to ride-on or tractor mowers. Each of these options can be divided by power source, with the main options being electric or petrol.

However, the best mower types for pet owners are robotic or hover mowers as they are quieter than others. Robotic mowers can get the job done when your pets are inside the house, preventing your pets from getting hurt by the mower while ensuring your garden is maintained. 

• Einhell Freelexo 1200 LCD BT Robotic Lawn Mower
• Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower
• Worx Landroid M WR141E Robotic Lawn Mower
• Black + Decker BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower
• LandXCape LX799 Robotic Mower
• Lawn Master 33mm 1500W Electric Hover Mower
• Gardena Sileno City Robotic Lawn Mower

Einhell Freelexo 1200 LCD BT Robotic Lawn Mower

Best Lawn Mower for Pet Owners with Sloped Gardens

Einhell Freelexo 1200 LCD BT Robotic Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: battery
• Cutting width: 18cm
• Item weight: 14.3kg
• Dimensions: 72.2 x 52.8 x 32.5cm
• Special feature: 

As part of the Power X-Change battery family, this robotic lawn mower is a must for large, sloped gardens. If you have other Einhell products that fall within this family, you can share the batteries across products.

The mower is designed to return to the charging station when it’s running low on power. Additionally, the rain sensor will prompt the mower to return to the charging station to avoid damaging the grass and soil when wet.

Each of the 3 blades can be adjusted between 20 and 60mm, allowing you to control the height of your grass. The 18cm cutting deck allows the mower to be narrow enough to fit into tight spaces that a larger mower could not access. 

Designed for large gardens up to 1200 by 1200m, this mower can reach slopes with a gradient of 35%. This means you can leave your mower to move up and down slopes unattended, giving you more freedom. 

Pros: 

• Long charging station cable
• Rain sensor
• Carry-handle 

Cons:

• Pricey

Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

Best Mulching Mower for Pet Owners

Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: corded
• Cutting width: 27cm
• Item weight: 7.64kg
• Dimensions: 79 x 30 x 80cm
• Special feature: self-mulching

For a compact and lightweight mower suitable for your small garden, look no further than the Flymo Turbo Lite. This mower is ideal for pet owners due to the protection around the blades and the quiet noise levels. 

A powerful, 1400W motor allows this mower to get around the garden easily while getting the job done efficiently. It floats on a ‘cushion’ of air, allowing it to move easily while cutting your grass.

The wide cutting deck of 27cm allows you to tackle a larger area at a time and the blades have been designed to last longer. Additionally, this mower drops grass clippings back into your garden acting as a free and eco-friendly mulch.

Designed to be stored easily, this compact mower features useful collapsable handles. These flat handles allow your mower to hang on the wall without taking up much space. 

Due to its light weight, you can carry this mower around your lawn with little fuss. Meanwhile, the dual lever handles mean you can operate this mower with either hand, making it suitable for all.

Pros: 

• Lightweight
• Long cable
• Self-mulching 

Cons:

• Difficult to assemble 

Worx Landroid M WR141E Robot Lawn Mower

Best for Medium Gardens

WORX Landroid M WR141E Robot Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: battery
• Cutting width: 18cm
• Item weight: 9kg
• Dimensions: 66.5 x 53.8 x 28.1cm
• Special feature: rain sensor

Large gardens often require specific mowers like self-propelled or push mowers. However, this powerful Landroid mower is perfect for large gardens despite its size. The 18cm cutting deck is designed to fit in narrow spaces, making it easier to manoeuvre around obstacles. 

Smart auto-scheduling allows your mower to learn the layout of your garden and create a schedule around it. The built-in cloud computing will then cause the mower to adjust its mowing patterns to suit the speed at which your grass grows. 

The built-in rain sensor will allow the mower to detect rain and cause it to return to its charging station. Although the mower is 100% weather-proof, Worx states that you cannot get a great finish when your garden is wet, hence the handy rain sensor feature.

Finally, the 120V lithium-ion battery has a quick recharge time of 90 minutes, allowing 60 minutes of operating time. This means that you can mow a garden up to 500 by 500m within that time before the battery needs to be recharged. 

Pros: 

• Autonomous recharging
• Self-mulching
• Efficient mowing

Cons:

• Cannot cut right to the edge of the area

Black + Decker BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower

Best Lawn Mower for Uneven Terrain

BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: corded
• Cutting width: 30cm
• Item weight: 7.52kg
• Dimensions: 40 x 35 x 110cm
• Special feature: ideal for sloped gardens

If your garden has slopes or obstacles, then the BEMWH551-GB is a must. It has been designed for uneven terrain, with various features making mowing your garden much easier.

The wide, 30cm cutting deck allows you to cut a larger area of grass at a time, reducing the time you need to spend maintaining your garden. These blades can then be adjusted between 20 and 40mm to allow you more flexibility when mowing your grass.

Rotary mowers are intended for thick grass, weeds and heavy bushes. This hover rotary mower is ideal for tough terrain where you may need to work through garden debris that is thicker than average grass.

Although the blades are plastic, users have found this mower still cuts well while not risking the safety of your fingers or your pets. This mower is easy to assemble, with the durable pieces slotting where they need to quickly. 

Given the smaller, compact size of this Black + Decker mower, it can easily fit into spaces that larger mowers cannot. This makes it an ideal option for cutting grass around trees or along fences. 

Pros: 

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Wide cutting deck

Cons:

• Not ideal for medium to large gardens

LandXCape LX799 Robotic Mower

Best Robotic Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

LANDXCAPE LX799 300m2 Robotic Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: battery
• Cutting width: 16cm
• Item weight: 12kg
• Dimensions: 51 x 36 x 21cm
• Special feature: mulching system

Ideal for small gardens up to 300 by 300m, the LandXCape robotic mower makes tending to your garden easy. Designed to mulch as it mows, this mower has 3 blades that cut grass into smaller pieces for easy spreading. 

Designed for safety, this mower has a built-in safety sensor that identifies when the mower is tilting or when it is lifted. This makes it ideal for pet owners as it will stop operating if a pet knocks it over. 

The blades can be adjusted to various heights ranging from 20 to 50mm, allowing you to set the height depending on your need. Although the cutting deck is smaller at 16cm, you do not need to operate the mower yourself. This gives you the use of caring for your garden with no effort. 

This mower has a sensor that will recognise when the battery is low. It will then return itself to the charging station, meaning you do not have to lift a finger. The lithium-ion batteries have a maximum power of 20V which ensures the mower will get the job done efficiently. 

Pros: 

• Independent charging
• 2-year warranty 
• Adjustable blade height

Cons:

• Slightly bulky

Lawn Master 33cm 1500W Electric Hover Mower

Best For Small Gardens

Lawn Master 33cm 1500W Electric Hover Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: corded
• Cutting width: 33cm
• Item weight: 8.75kg
• Dimensions: 49.2 x 38.6 x 15.8cm
• Special feature: adjustable cutting height 

For a manoeuvrable and lightweight mower, the Lawn Master is a great option. It is powered by a powerful 1500W motor that makes it powerful enough to get your garden maintenance done efficiently. 

The blade height can be adjusted to 4 different heights ranging from 12mm to 33mm. This allows you to adjust the blade to meet your needs depending on the season or your preferences for your garden.

A great feature of these blades is that they are reversible. So when one side becomes too blunt you can flip it and continue using the mower for longer. Once both sides of the blade are no longer sharp, you will need to sharpen them again to continue using them. 

Grass clippings are automatically returned to your garden to act as a natural fertiliser. This is done by cutting the grass, recirculating the grass through the blades and then returning them to your lawn. 

Ergonomically designed for greater comfort, the handles are foam padded so you can use the mower for longer. The handles fold down to make it easier to store the mower, saving you space in your garage or gardening shed. 

Pros: 

• 2-year warranty
• Lightweight
• Self-mulching

Cons:

• Does not come with a collection bin

Gardena Sileno City 300 Robotic Lawn Mower

Best Lawn Mower for Complex Gardens

Gardena Sileno City 300 Robotic Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: battery
• Cutting width: 16cm
• Item weight: 7.3kg
• Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 23cm
• Special feature: pivoting blades

If you are looking for a lawn mower that mows your garden regardless of how complex the area is, the Sileno City mower is your best choice. It has been designed for gardens with slopes up to 35% making it ideal for tough terrain.

Gardena has designed a Bluetooth app with a range of 10m to allow you to control your robotic mower from a distance. This means that you can control how and when your garden is maintained without you needing to go outside. 

With a noise level of 57db(A), this mower will not inconvenience your neighbours and will not cause any harm to your pet’s ears. Additionally, this gives you the freedom to have the mower tend to your lawn while you are asleep so you wake up to a freshly cut garden.

This mower has an energy consumption of 2.5kWh per month, making it light on power and saving you money in the long run. It is ideal for wet grass and can be adjusted depending on the season. The blades can be adjusted between 20 and 55mm, giving you greater control. 

Pros: 

• Adjustable blade height
• Lightweight
• Bluetooth app

Cons:

• Bulky 

How to Buy the Best Lawn Mower for Pet Owners 

Power Source

Robotic mowers can run on either petrol or electricity depending on the make and model. You’ll need to consider which power source is better for you as the ‘perfect’ mower might run on petrol when you prefer electric. 

Warranty

You never know whether your mower could break due to a piece malfunctioning or something else out of your control. It is therefore important to look for a mower that comes with a warranty. This allows you to replace a piece or have it repaired easily. 

Size

A benefit to robotic mowers is that they can be stored easily. So you need to consider the size of the mower you are planning to buy and whether it is compact enough to store in small spaces. Some mowers have charging stations that take up additional space. 

Cutting width

Larger gardens will require a mower with a larger cutting deck while small gardens can get away with a shorter cutting deck. You need to consider the size of your garden before purchasing to make sure you buy a suitable mower. 

Cutting height

Depending on your preference, you will need to adjust the cutting height which is an option for some mowers. The height you set it to depends on your preferences, the season you are in and the type of grass you have. 

Durability

Pet owners often let their animals run around the garden and you may find that your mower is in the pet’s way. This can lead to the mower being bumped or knocked over. Choose a mower that’s constructed from durable materials to avoid the mower breaking and lengthen its life span. 

Sound levels

Petrol mowers tend to be louder than electric mowers due to the size of the engine. However, as most robotic mowers are smaller, they tend to have smaller engines and are quieter. This is a good feature for pet owners as the sound will not harm their animals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do mowers need maintenance?

Like most machinery, you should complete maintenance on your mower annually. During this time all pieces of the mower need to be checked and replaced if necessary and the blades need to be sharpened. This ensures your mower keeps operating correctly. 

What sound level is too loud for dogs?

Just like humans, dogs cannot handle sound levels over a certain decibel as it can cause hearing loss or damage to their ears. For dogs, this level is 85dB, after which dogs can experience hearing loss for a short or extended time. 

How long can hover mowers last before replacement?

A benefit to these mowers is that most of the parts involved can be replaced individually, so as problems arise they can easily be fixed. If you take care of your mower and ensure maintenance is done frequently, the mower should last you up to 10 years. 

What is the biggest advantage of a robotic mower?

A great benefit to robotic mowers is that they detect when their battery is running low and will return to the docking station to recharge. You do not need to do anything as this is an automatic process.

Conclusion

Now that we have looked at our top-rated mowers for pet owners, you should have a better idea of what will suit your garden while protecting your animals. We have looked at a variety of mowers with different features to benefit you.

Each mower has been evaluated on its size, power source and more to give you a clear picture of each option. Not every mower is going to suit you but that just makes choosing a mower easier as you can cross out options as you go.

If you have any questions or comments for us, please feel free to reach out.

Do you want to mow your lawn with ease and fertilise at the same time? If so, a side discharge lawn mower might be the best option for you.

In this article, we’ll give the low down on what side discharge mowers are, explain how they can help you and reveal 7 of the best options available to buy right now. 

The first tool many think about when it comes to garden care is their lawn mower. There are many factors to consider including the weight, size and power of the mower you choose. However, special features like side discharge are becoming more important for buyers.

Keep reading to discover the best lawn mowers with side discharge available.

Our TOP Lawn Mower with Side Discharge Picks

From specific mulching mowers to regular mowers with a side discharge function, here are our top picks:

Best for Thick and Wet Grass	Murray EQ2-700X Self-Propelled Petrol Mower with Side and Rear Discharge 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best Self-Propelled	Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best Petrol	NEXUS NX46SP NX46SP-18 Petrol Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton 500E Series Engine  4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best Rotary	Webb WER510SP Rotary Lawn Mower with Side Discharge Bag 4.2	Check Latest Price »
Best Petrol	Cobra M51SPC 20" Petrol Lawn Mower Self Propelled 4in1 Mulch Collect 173cc OHV Engine 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best Push Mower	Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower 4.6	Check Latest Price »
Best for Large Lawns	Webb Supreme WER 460 SP Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower 4.4	Check Latest Price »

Best for Thick and Wet Grass

Murray EQ2-700X Self-Propelled Petrol Mower with Side and Rear Discharge

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Self-Propelled

Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Petrol

NEXUS NX46SP NX46SP-18 Petrol Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton 500E Series Engine 

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Rotary

Webb WER510SP Rotary Lawn Mower with Side Discharge Bag

4.2

Check Latest Price »

Best Petrol

Cobra M51SPC 20" Petrol Lawn Mower Self Propelled 4in1 Mulch Collect 173cc OHV Engine

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best Push Mower

Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower

4.6

Check Latest Price »

Best for Large Lawns

Webb Supreme WER 460 SP Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best Lawn Mowers with Side Discharge to Buy in 2023

• Murray EQ2-700X Self-Propelled Petrol Mower with Side and Rear Discharge
• Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-Propelled Petrol Mower
• Nexus NX46SP Mulching Mower with Side Discharge
• Webb WER510SP Rotary Lawn Mower with Side Discharge Bag
• Cobra M51SPC 20” Side Discharge Lawn Mower
• Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawn Mower 
• Webb WER460SP Self-Propelled Rotary Mower

When it comes to buying a lawn mower with side discharge, this isn’t the only feature to consider. If you happen to buy a push mower, the weight of the unit is important as you need to ensure it won’t cause you to tire easily.

Similarly, for the times you want to store your mower, the dimensions are important. If you have little storage space, a compact mower is better than a ride-on mower. Additional features like a collapsing handle are helpful too.

Finally, the maintenance of your mower is important. Look for a durable lawn mower that requires less maintenance than a mower that’s easy to wear down. We’ve considered all these features when evaluating our best mowers.

Murray EQ2-700X Self-Propelled Petrol Mower with Side and Rear Discharge

Best Side Discharge Lawn Mower for Thick and Wet Grass

Murray EQ2-700X Self-Propelled Petrol Mower with Side and Rear Discharge

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol 
• Style: easy start self-propelled
• Cutting width: 56cm
• Item weight: 34.1kg
• Dimensions: 96 x 38 x 101cm
• Special feature: 4-in-1 functionality

If you are looking for a lawn mower for thick and/or wet grass, then a self-propelled mower with side discharge is an ideal option. This Murray mower has a rear and side discharge, making it suitable for all garden types. Grass clippings can be disposed of by opposite obstacles using either feature.

This mower is a cinch to start and the Briggs & Stratton 161cc engine delivers more than enough power. This power, combined with the 56cm cut width, allows you to keep medium to large lawns neat and tidy with ease. 

Additionally, this lawn mower has a 75l collection bag to store grass clippings and garden debris until they can be disposed of. This mower has been built to mulch grass clippings to make collection easier. 

As with all of these lawn mowers, it has a side discharge that allows you to mulch as you mow. This will return valuable nutrients to the soil and save you time on raking up or emptying the grass box. It is a free fertiliser and an eco-friendly way to look after your lawn. 

Pros: 

• 2-Year limited consumer warranty 
• Easy to clean with an integrated wash port 
• Large cutting deck of 56cm 

Cons:

• Heavy at 34kg and might cause discomfort for some users

Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-Propelled Petrol Mower 

Best Self-Propelled

Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol 
• Style: self-propelled
• Cutting width: 42cm
• Item weight: 25.2kg
• Dimensions: 90 x 54 x 125cm
• Special feature: durable materials

For medium to large gardens, you can’t go wrong with this self-propelled model from Sprint. It has a cutting deck of 42cm which allows larger areas of grass to be cut at a time, reducing the overall time spent on tending to your garden.

It is solidly built, and both the lawn mower and the blades should last you many years. It sports a reliable 125cc Briggs & Stratton engine. 

As a self-propelled mower with petrol power, this model may be louder than an electric model. However, the power of the mower will outweigh this as it will effectively cut mowing time. The weight of this mower makes it easy to manoeuvre and will not cause you to tire easily. 

Pros: 

• Briggs & Stratton engine
• Lightweight at 25kg and can be moved easily
• Durable alloy steel blades will last against general wear and tear over time
• Large cutting deck width of 42cm will prove beneficial in medium to large gardens

Cons:

• Bulky and difficult to store easily compared to a compact model
• Relatively loud 

Nexus NX46SP Mulching Mower with Side Discharge

Best Petrol Mulching Mower

NEXUS NX46SP NX46SP-18 Petrol Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton 500E Series Engine 

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol 
• Style: self-propelled
• Cutting width: 46cm
• Item weight: 28kg
• Dimensions: 91 x 54 x 43 cm
• Special feature: 60l grass collection bag

A popular choice for a lawn mower which can mulch grass clippings easily is the Nexus NX46SP. This self-propelled, lightweight lawn mower is suitable for medium to large gardens and features a powerful and reliable Briggs & Stratton 140cc petrol engine, 500E Series. 

This lawn mower comes with 4 functions. It can collect and bag up to 60l of grass clippings and garden debris. Additionally, this versatile mower has side and rear discharge to make it easier for grass to be disposed of while caring for your lawn.

Finally, the greatest benefit of this lawn mower is that it can mulch grass clippings as they’re cut. This is done by cutting the grass into small pieces which can then be spread around your garden to act as a natural fertiliser. 

Pros: 

• Generous 60l grass collection bag
• 2-Year limited consumer warranty 
• Quality Briggs & Stratton 140cc engine 

Cons:

• Some users found the height adjustment a bit tricky 
• Oil not included, requires 4-stroke oil 

Webb WER510SP Rotary Lawn Mower with Side Discharge Bag

Best Rotary Lawn Mower with Side Discharge Bag

Webb WER510SP Rotary Lawn Mower with Side Discharge Bag

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol 
• Style: self-propelled rotary lawn mower
• Cutting width: 51cm
• Item weight: 39.5kg
• Dimensions: 87.5 x 58.5 x 40cm
• Special feature: adjustable cutting heights

This mower’s blades are made with durable alloy steel, helping them to last against frequent exposure to moisture in wet grass and general wear and tear. The blades can be adjusted to 7 different cutting heights depending on the need, from 25mm to 75mm.

With a formidable 173cc 4-stroke engine, this mower will power through the lawn, even long or wet grass, with speed and ease. 

The lawn mower includes a large collection bag which can hold 65l of grass clippings and garden debris. This makes it easier and more efficient to clear your garden as it needs to be emptied less frequently. An additional benefit to this is that mowing your garden takes less time.

Pros: 

• Powerful 173cc engine 
• Adjustable cutting height with 7 options depending on the need
• Large 65l collection bag for easy disposal
• Low fuel consumption 

Cons:

• Heavy

Cobra M51SPC 20″ Side Discharge Lawn Mower

Best Side Discharge Petrol Lawn Mower

Cobra M51SPC 20" Petrol Lawn Mower Self Propelled 4in1 Mulch Collect 173cc OHV Engine

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol 
• Style: self-propelled
• Cutting width: 51cm
• Item weight: 38kg
• Dimensions: unknown
• Special feature: easy start technology

For those looking for an electric mower with side discharge, Cobra’s lawn mower is a good option. Easy start technology makes it easier to start mowing your garden efficiently, while the style of mower is designed for ease of use.

You get fantastic power from the DG600 OHV engine and as this mower is self-propelled, it’s a breeze to get around your garden. 

A large collection bag comes with the lawn mower which can hold up to 60l of grass cuttings and garden debris at a time. This makes it easier to clean while mowing and makes disposal of cuttings easier.

Pros: 

• Wide cutting deck: a cutting deck of 51cm allows more grass to be cut at a time
• 60l Grass collection bag for easy cleaning while mowing
• Self-propelled

Cons:

• Somewhat loud

Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawn Mower

Best Side Discharge Push Mower

Einhell GC-PM 46 S HW-T Petrol Push Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol 
• Style: push mower
• Cutting width: 46cm
• Item weight: 30.8kg
• Dimensions: 75 x 56 x 43.5cm
• Special feature: steerable front wheel

Einhell has long been one of my favourite lawn mower brands and the GC-PM 46 S HW-T does not disappoint. Clearly, I am not alone as this model is popular and highly rated. This mower is ideal for smaller gardens as you need to push the lawn mower around. 

You need to consider the weight of this mower as it may be too heavy for some to push around tough terrain. However, with a large cutting deck of 46cm, the job should be completed in good time. This is ideal for lawn care as you may have more than just grass cutting to get done. 

The steerable front wheel makes directing the mower easier while working. There are 8 options for cut height and it is simple to adjust. 

Pros: 

• Durable alloy steel blades mean the mower will last against frequent use
• Steerable front-wheel
• Adjustable height with 8 positions

Cons:

• On the heavy side 

Webb WER460SP Self-Propelled Rotary Mower

Best Budget Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Webb Supreme WER 460 SP Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol
• Style: self-propelled rotary
• Cutting width: 46cm
• Item weight: 33kg
• Dimensions: 78 x 54 x 44cm
• Special feature: adjustable blade height

Designed to make caring for large gardens easier, the Webb rotary lawn mower has plenty of features to make mowing less effort. A large 55l collection bag allows you to mow for longer before it needs to be emptied. 

Additionally, a cutting deck of 46cm allows you to tackle large areas efficiently. The height of the blades can be adjusted from 25mm to 75mm in 7 positions, allowing you to choose the right height for your garden. This will allow for the type of grass and the season, as well as your preference.

Powered by a 141cc DVO 140 series engine, this mower is powerful and ideal for medium to large gardens. 

Users have stated that this lawn mower is good value for money. They have found that it is easy to assemble on first arrival, and easy to use in their gardens. This mower has been designed to manoeuvre around features in your garden easily.

Pros: 

• Durable alloy steel blades
• Large 55l collection bag
• Adjustable height with 7 options 

Cons:

• Heavy at 33kg 

How to Buy the Best Lawn Mower with Side Discharge

Power Source

There are various types of mowers with different power sources, including electric, push mowers and petrol mowers. Petrol mowers tend to be louder than electric mowers.

Warranty

With machinery that involves multiple moving pieces, there is always the risk that something might break before or during use. Looking for a mower with a warranty can help as it means the company may replace faulty parts or the entire mower. 

Maintenance

Depending on the frequency of use and the materials used, your mower may require more frequent maintenance. This includes sharpening the blades, clearing petrol lines and general repairs to the body of the mower.

Cutting width

The cutting width of your lawn mower is important, particularly for large gardens. A lawn mower with a smaller cutting deck will be impractical for larger gardens. In this case, a larger cutting width is important. 

Weight

Depending on the type of lawn mower you want, you need to ensure that the weight of the mower is not an issue. Push mowers should be lightweight to make it easier to move around your garden.

Durability

Finding a durable lawn mower which stands up to frequent use is the best option long term. It shouldn’t need frequent maintenance and will be a good investment in your garden care. 

Type

Choosing a specific type of mower is important but can be difficult. Larger gardens may require a large ride-on mower while smaller gardens may be more suitable for a push or electric mower. 

Budget

Cost is always a factor to consider. You don’t want to go for a budget mower that does a poor job or falls apart after a few months. That being said, there are many quality side discharge mowers that are excellent value for money. The more expensive options tend to be a bit more powerful and include some additional bells and whistles. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some side discharge mower advantages?

Some advantages of side discharge mowers include effective cutting of wet grass, efficient mowing and non-stop mowing. When aimed correctly, the side discharge feature returns grass clippings to the garden, providing an effective, natural fertiliser. 

Side vs rear discharge mower: what is the difference?

With a rear discharge mower, you can take an efficient path through the garden. The grass clippings will be disposed of behind you, which makes for easy cleanup. Meanwhile, with side discharge mowers you need to cut grass against obstacles with the chute facing the other way.

Lawn mower side discharge vs mulching: is there a difference?

The primary difference between side discharge and mulching mowers is the type of blades used. Mulching mowers have curved blades which cut grass clippings into small pieces. Side discharge mowers cut grass clippings into uniform pieces and dispose of the grass through an opening.

What is a side discharge ride on a mower?

Ride-on mowers have a seat on which the user can sit while mowing their lawn. These mowers cut grass clippings into manageable pieces and suck the clippings into the machine. After which, the grass clippings are disposed of from a chute on the side of the mower. 

What type of grass is suitable for side discharge lawn mowers?

Lawn mowers with side discharge work well for wet or tall grass. They work effectively through the grass and help move the grass clippings back into the garden to be broken down as fertiliser.

Conclusion

Now that we have looked at our top picks of the best lawn mowers with side discharge, you should have a clearer idea of the options available.

Each of these lawn mowers has been compared based on factors including the weight and dimensions of the lawn mower to judge the manoeuvrability and ease of storage, and the power and cutting deck which will determine how long it takes to mow a particular lawn. 

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know below.

Whether you live in a cottage, a townhouse or a semi-detached home, there’s often a lawn and grass to be cut. To keep your lawn in tip-top shape, you’ll need the best lawn mower for the job. 

A small garden is anything from 150m² (the area of a tennis court) or less, up to about 300m², at which point it becomes medium-sized. The question is, how do you keep this small space neat and tidy and looking good without resorting to a professional gardening service?

To make you aware of what’s out there, we’ve reviewed a selection of fit-for-purpose lightweight lawn mowers.  Keep reading to discover the best mowers for a modest patch.

TOP Lightweight Lawn Mowers

Best Robot Mower	Einhell FREELEXO 300 Solo 3.8 £453.81	Check Latest Price »
Best Cordless	Bosch Cordless CityMower 4.4 £223.48	Check Latest Price »
Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens	Flymo EasiLife 150 GO Robotic Lawn Mower 4.2 £579.99	Check Latest Price »
Best Manual	Bosch AHM 38 G Manual Garden Lawn Mower (Cutting Width 38 cm, in Carton Packaging) 4.1 £69.93	Check Latest Price »
Best with Grass Box	Mountfield Battery Lawnmower Electress 4.5 £239.00	Check Latest Price »
Best for the Elderly	Flymo Turbo Lite 250 Electric Hover Lawn Mower 4.3 £59.99	Check Latest Price »
Best Budget	BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower 4.2 £59.99	Check Latest Price »
Best Electric	Bosch Lawnmower AdvancedRotak 750  4.3 £249.00	Check Latest Price »

Best Robot Mower

Einhell FREELEXO 300 Solo

3.8

£453.81

Check Latest Price »

Best Cordless

Bosch Cordless CityMower

4.4

£223.48

Check Latest Price »

Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

Flymo EasiLife 150 GO Robotic Lawn Mower

4.2

£579.99

Check Latest Price »

Best Manual

Bosch AHM 38 G Manual Garden Lawn Mower (Cutting Width 38 cm, in Carton Packaging)

4.1

£69.93

Check Latest Price »

Best with Grass Box

Mountfield Battery Lawnmower Electress

4.5

£239.00

Check Latest Price »

Best for the Elderly

Flymo Turbo Lite 250 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

4.3

£59.99

Check Latest Price »

Best Budget

BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower

4.2

£59.99

Check Latest Price »

Best Electric

Bosch Lawnmower AdvancedRotak 750 

4.3

£249.00

Check Latest Price »

The Best Lawn Mowers for Small Gardens 

• Einhell FREELEXO 300 Solo
• Bosch CityMower
• Husqvarna Flymo EasiLife 150 GO
• Bosch AHM 38 G
• Mountfield Electress
• Husqvarna Flymo Turbo Lite 250
• Black+Decker BEMWH551-GB
• Bosch Rotak 32R

Einhell FREELEXO 300 Solo

Best Robot Mower for Small Lawns

Einhell FREELEXO 300 Solo

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Robot automower
• Power Source: Batteries 
• Cutting Width: 18cm
• Weight: 10kg
• Lawn Size: 300m²

While not the most cost-effective solution, an automower is by far the most satisfying. Bury a boundary wire around the perimeter (guide wires are ancient history), pick a spot for the charging station, dock the automower and you’re good to go.

When the robot mower’s battery is charged, it will sally forth, mowing as it goes. When the battery gets low, it will find its way to the boundary wire, follow it back to the charging station, and the cycle will repeat itself.

The body of this mower is tough ABS plastic, the stuff that Lego is made from. It’s heat-resistant, durable, lightweight and in many ways superior to its metal equivalent.

Robot mower safety technology is still in its infancy. As more are sold, safety will improve. In the meantime, don’t wear sandals around an automower, and keep them away from children and pets.

Pros:

• Impact, tilt, lift and rain sensors
• Multi-zone capable
• Mowing schedule programmable via a Bluetooth app
• The installation kit includes a 100m boundary wire, 140 tension hooks, 4 connecting clamps and a charging station
• Durable

Cons: 

• Battery not included 
• Safety concerns 

Bosch CityMower

Best Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

Bosch Cordless CityMower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Cordless 
• Power Source: 18V 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery 
• Cutting Width: 32cm
• Weight: 9.9kg
• Lawn Size: 300m²

If you live in a built-up area in close proximity to your neighbours, you need one of these mowers. Cordless mowers are clean and quiet.

This is a light and nifty lawn mower that is easy to move. It has a 32cm cut width so is ideal for lawns up to 300m². Being cordless you have fantastic freedom of movement. 

Wiping it down with a damp cloth is just about all the maintenance it will ever need (just make sure you remove the battery first). The brushless motor is electric so there’s no need to replace spark plugs or oil filters. The brushless motor also reduces noise and extends the battery life. 

Pros:

• 3 cutting heights from 30 to 60mm
• Grass combs for edge trimming 
• A high-grip guide bar 
• A 31-litre grass box 
• Low noise output 

Cons: 

• The ventilation grille needs to be cleared from time to time as it tends to clog up with cut grass 

Husqvarna Flymo EasiLife 150 GO

Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

Flymo EasiLife 150 GO Robotic Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Robot automower 
• Power Source: Lithium-ion battery 
• Cutting Width: 60cm
• Weight: 6.1kg
• Lawn Size: 150m²

In many ways a little brother to the Einhell Freelexo, at 6.1kg the EasiLife Go is super-light and feature-rich. FrostSense will keep it home, docked to its charging station if the weather is too cold to cut grass without damaging it. PassageSense adapts the mowing pattern to narrow strips of lawn while LawnSense tracks rainfall and sunlight, then adapts its schedule to how fast the grass is growing.

The EasiLife Go smartphone app provides a host of programming options not accessible through the hardware interface, allowing you to customise the mower to exactly suit your kind of garden.

Robot mowers are not suitable for households with small children, nor should you go barefoot or wear open-toed sandals around them.

Pros:

• Low 58dB noise level
• Anti-theft protection
• A 60cm cutting width
• Remote start points 
• Smartphone-controlled

Cons: 

• Safety issues 
• Setting it up takes a bit of time 

Bosch AHM 38 G

Bosch AHM 38 G Manual Garden Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Manual push 
• Power Source: Human 
• Cutting Width: 38cm
• Weight: 6.9kg
• Lawn Size: All sizes 

If the quality of the cut is important to you and you want a nice, full, even, springy lawn, you can’t do better than a push mower.

Most push mowers have two blades: a horizontal crossbar and a spinning cylinder. Whereas a power mower cuts by slashing, a push mower tweezers it up, cutting the grass with a scissor action. The result is much more pleasing to the eye, a cleaner cut with no torn or ragged edges.

Pros:

• Stepless cutting height from 12 to 40mm
• Very quiet
• A rear roller for stripe effects
• A clean, precise, quality cut
• Self-sharpening

Cons: 

• An inefficient cut grass collector
• Requires some manual labour 

Mountfield Electress

Best Lightweight Lawn Mower with Grass Box

Mountfield Battery Lawnmower Electress

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Cordless
• Power Source: 2 X 20V 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries 
• Cutting Width: 38cm
• Weight: 12.24kg
• Lawn Size: 350m²

Another cordless mower, this time skewed towards the larger small garden, is the Mountfield Electress.

The Electress is a serious piece of kit. Not only have its lithium-ion batteries got a 4 ampere-hour capacity, but they also supply 20 volts each, more than enough to cut a 350m² area.

Its guide bar isn’t foldable but for storage purposes, if you replace the guide bar bolts with wingnuts, you can detach it entirely in a few seconds.

Pros: 

• 6 cutting heights, from 25 to 75mm
• A 40-litre grass box
• A robust build made of ABS

Cons: 

• Not optimised for storage 

Husqvarna Flymo Turbo Lite 250

Best Lightweight Lawn Mower for the Elderly

Flymo Turbo Lite 250 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Corded hover mower
• Power Source: Mains electricity 
• Cutting Width: 26cm
• Weight: 6kg
• Lawn Size: 250m²

One advantage of a small garden is that you don’t need extra extension cords to run an electric mower.

The Flymo Turbo Lite 250 is a hover mower. Instead of wheels, it rides on a cushion of air, making it easy to push and highly manoeuvrable.

It has a 1400W motor for tackling slopes and the type of unevenness we generally associate with molehills.

Pros:

• Compact
• Lightweight
• Highly manoeuvrable 
• Value for money 

Cons: 

• Comparatively noisy for a hover mower
• Changing the cutting height requires you to use a spanner (included in the package)

Black+Decker BEMWH551-GB

Best Lawn Mower for Uneven Terrain

BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Corded hover mower 
• Power Source: Mains electricity 
• Cutting Width: 30cm
• Weight: 7.52kg
• Lawn Size: 250m²

This is one of those situations where a product’s issues are more than offset by its price tag.

This mower has a poorly-constructed guide bar that works loose if you don’t keep it tightened. It’s also inclined to vibrate excessively, although this could be because the user hasn’t assembled it properly.

Even with those deficits, it’s still a good buy, especially for small gardens. At 7.5kg, it’s a breeze to handle, easy to push and light enough to hang out of the way on the wall when you’re done.

Pros:

• Value for money
• Highly manoeuvrable 
• Compact and robust 
• 3 cutting heights from 20 to 40mm
• 10 plastic cutting blades 

Cons: 

• An inadequate guide bar
• An issue with vibration 

Bosch Rotak 32R

Best Budget Electric Lawn Mower

Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features:

• Type: Corded 
• Power Source: Mains electricity 
• Cutting Width: 32cm
• Weight: 6.8kg
• Lawn Size: 350m²

Corded mowers effectively combine the benefits of a battery mower (zero emissions, quiet operation and low maintenance) with those of a petrol mower (sustained power and continuous running time).

The Rotak32R comes equipped with a grass comb for onboard edge-trimming, so you won’t need a strimmer to give your lawn its final polish.

Pros:

• Cost-effective 
• 1200W motor
• A hardened steel blade for tall grass and weeds 
• Low noise (79-93dB)
• Equipped with a grass comb for edge-trimming along walls and flower beds
• 31-litre grass box 
• 3 cutting heights from 20-60mm

Cons: 

• The cutting blade must be tightened before each use 
• Changing the cutting height is awkward and time-consuming 

How to Buy the Best Mower for Small Gardens 

Weight

In the weight stakes, cordless mowers win every time. Where robot and cordless self-propelled mowers are concerned, weight is crucial. Lightweight mowers consume less battery power and run for longer. Light mowers are nimble and easier to move around a small garden. 

Materials

Ideally, the motor should be metal and the body plastic. Polymers like ABS are strong, heat- and impact-resistant and very durable. They don’t crack and break or lose their tensile strength over time.

They’re also very light, lighter in fact than aluminium. This is important where mowers are concerned, it means they’re both more manoeuvrable and easier to put away.

Size 

Another aspect worth considering is size. Small, compact mowers can get into spots larger mowers can’t, like that narrow strip of grass between the path and the wall.

Some manufacturers of robot mowers claim you don’t have to bury the boundary wire. This is true in an ideal world where nothing ever goes wrong. In the real world, the boundary wire eventually sags, despite the tension hooks that keep it taut. The mower invariably finds this weak spot and runs over the wire, cutting it in two. 

A boundary wire two or three inches underground, while out-of-reach of its blade, is still detectable to the automower’s sensors.

If you have moles in your garden, it’s worthwhile to check occasionally for any damage they might be doing to the boundary wire.

Cost

The price range is quite large so consider your needs and your budget. Invest in a lawn mower that will do the work you require, last for many years and be reliable. 

FAQs

What type of lawn mower is easiest to use?

The easiest, in the long run, is a robot automower. Once installed and programmed with a mowing schedule, it can be left to its own devices.

What size mower do I need for a small yard?

The smaller, lighter, and more compact, the better. Small yards are rife with awkward, hard-to-reach spots that only a small mower or a strimmer with wheels or skates can cut evenly.

Does mower size matter?

A mower with a broad cutting width will do the job faster but you won’t be able to cut the narrow and awkwardly shaped patches. A narrow cutting width will take longer but, if it has a grass comb, you won’t have to clean up the edges with a strimmer.

How do I make my small garden lawn mower last?

Storing a lawn mower in a dry place is key. Wipe it down thoroughly after each use, taking note of any wear and tear that might prove problematic later. Sharpening the blade with a whetstone from time to time will improve the cut and reduce strain on the motor.

Conclusion

If the quality of the cut is important to you, a robot or a push mower are your best options. If not, a cordless or electric will do. Petrol mowers are a measure of last resort, being better suited to big gardens or allotments.

A small garden is best served by a small mower, the smaller, lighter and more compact the better. To get a better sense of scale, take some measurements, study the dimensions of your prospective purchase and take a walk around the garden looking for potential trouble spots. Give yourself time to process data before you make a decision. You can’t go wrong with any of the products we have recommended. 

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know below. 

If you have a small to medium-sized garden, you can get away with using a self-propelled or push mower. However, larger gardens require more power which cannot be delivered by smaller lawn mowers. A ride on lawn mower is often the best choice. 

This is where lawn tractors and ride-on mowers come in handy. There are so many options available on the market, making it difficult to choose the best garden tractor for you. 

We have compiled a list of our 7 best ride-on lawn mowers to help you choose what is best for you. Each of these options has been compared on size, power and more.  

Our TOP Ride on Mowers and Tractor Picks for Comfortable Mowing

Here is a quick overview of our top 8 picks for the best sit-down lawn mower.

Best Ride-On Mower for Steep Slopes	Oleo-Mac OM93/16K Lawn Tractor 4.6	Check Latest Price »
Best Ride-On Mower for Paddocks	Feider FRE7548V Electric Ride-On Mower 4.7	Check Latest Price »
Best Ride-On Mulching Lawn Mower	Stiga Tornado 398 M Side-Discharge Lawn Tractor 4.9	Check Latest Price »
Best Ride-On Lawn Mower for Large Gardens	Yard Force E559 Battery-Powered Electric Ride-On Mower 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best Ride-On Mower for 1 Acre	Feider FRT-7550M Compact Ride-On Lawn Mower with Manual Drive 4.7	Check Latest Price »
Best Electric Ride-On Mower	Stiga Gyro 500e Zero-Turn Electric Ride-On | MowDirect 4.5	Check Latest Price »
Best Ride-On Mower with Roller	Simplicity Broadmoor SYT410 Garden Tractor 4.6	Check Latest Price »
Best Ride-On Lawn Mower with Collector	Racing 6224PR Compact Ride-On Mower 4.3	Check Latest Price »

Best Ride-On Mower for Steep Slopes

Oleo-Mac OM93/16K Lawn Tractor

4.6

Check Latest Price »

Best Ride-On Mower for Paddocks

Feider FRE7548V Electric Ride-On Mower

4.7

Check Latest Price »

Best Ride-On Mulching Lawn Mower

Stiga Tornado 398 M Side-Discharge Lawn Tractor

4.9

Check Latest Price »

Best Ride-On Lawn Mower for Large Gardens

Yard Force E559 Battery-Powered Electric Ride-On Mower

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best Ride-On Mower for 1 Acre

Feider FRT-7550M Compact Ride-On Lawn Mower with Manual Drive

4.7

Check Latest Price »

Best Electric Ride-On Mower

Stiga Gyro 500e Zero-Turn Electric Ride-On | MowDirect

4.5

Check Latest Price »

Best Ride-On Mower with Roller

Simplicity Broadmoor SYT410 Garden Tractor

4.6

Check Latest Price »

Best Ride-On Lawn Mower with Collector

Racing 6224PR Compact Ride-On Mower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Ride on Lawn Mowers for Comfort to Buy in 2023

When it comes to buying a driving lawn mower, it can be difficult to identify the best option from the many available. There are several factors that could make a specific model suitable to you and your needs.

For instance, if you are looking for the best ride on mower for 1.5 acres, you’ll need a machine that’s powerful enough to run through the entire plot before it needs recharging or refilling. 

Similarly, for large gardens that require more time, you need to ensure that you are comfortable. So, the additional features that ensure comfort during use will be more important. 

Finally, the power source is important. If you have a large garden that takes a long time to mow, then a garden tractor that needs to be recharged every 30 minutes may not be ideal. A petrol or diesel mower could prove to be a better option. 

• Oleo-Max OM93/16K Lawn Tractor
• Feider FRE7548V Electric Ride-On Mower
• Stiga Tornado 398M Lawn Tractor
• Yard Force E559 Electric Ride-On Mulching Mower
• Feider FRT-7550M Compact Ride-On Lawn Mower with Manual Drive
• Stiga Gyro 500e Electric Axial Ride-On Mower
• Simplicity Broadmoor SYT410 Garden Tractor
• Racing 6224PR Compact Ride-On Mower

Oleo-Mac OM93/16K Lawn Tractor

Best Ride-On Mower for Steep Slopes

Oleo-Mac OM93/16K Lawn Tractor

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol-powered
• Cutting width: 92cm
• Item weight: 198kg
• Dimensions: 294 x 96 x 114cm
• Special feature: 290l grass collection bag

Grass collection and mulching are no issue for the powerful Oleo-Mac lawn mower. Although this mower doesn’t come with side discharge, the mulch produced by the mower can be collected in the 290l bag and then spread around your garden. 

Developed to move up steep slopes while keeping you comfortable, this mower has a smooth transition between speeds. This allows you to keep going without stalling or pausing, making it ideal for steep slopes and moving around obstacles. 

The 4-stroke petrol engine helps this mower reach a maximum speed of 8.8km/hr forwards and 3.8km/hr in reverse. This allows the mower to keep going as it encounters obstacles like steep slopes, rough terrain and long grass. 

This lawn tractor has been developed with 2 blades on a 92cm cutting deck. Given that this mower has mulching and collection in mind, the blades are meant to cut the grass into small enough pieces to spread around your garden. Each blade can be adjusted to 7 positions, between 25 and 80mm. 

For large gardens up to 4000 sqm, this mower is the best option. It is powerful enough to get the job done in less time, with an additional benefit being the warranty. The 3-year warranty gives you peace of mind should you encounter any issues with your mower. 

Pros: 

• Generous 290L collection bag
• Adjustable blade height with 7 positions
• Highly manoeuvrable 

Cons:

• Large and bulky

Feider FRE7548V Electric Ride-On Mower

Best Ride-On Mower for Paddocks

Feider FRE7548V Electric Ride-On Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: battery-powered
• Cutting width: 76cm
• Item weight: 165kg
• Dimensions: 145 x 107 x 112cm
• Special feature: compact design

If you’re searching for a ride-on mower for rough ground,  the Feider FRE7548V is one of the best. Suitable for most terrains with an incline of 15 degrees, its minimal vibration and cruise control allows you to mow your garden in comfort.

This mower has a powerful lithium-ion battery which allows the mower to increase to speeds of 8km/hr forwards and 3.2km/hr in reverse. Additional features include mulching power and side discharge, allowing you to fertilise your garden in an eco-friendly way.

With a compact design, this mower is an ideal option for use in paddocks and we rate is as the best ride-on mower for uneven ground. It’s easily manoeuvrable and efficient, leaving a clean and tidy patch for animals. 

Recommended for areas between 3000 and 4000 square metres, this mower works well on plots of land of up to an acre. The quiet operations make this a suitable mower for residential and farming use as it won’t disturb neighbours or animals. 

Pros: 

• Compact cutting deck
• Quiet operation
• Ideal for large areas

Cons:

• Smaller cutting deck

Stiga Tornado 398M Lawn Tractor 

Best Ride-On Mulching Lawn Mower

Stiga Tornado 398 M Side-Discharge Lawn Tractor

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol-powered
• Cutting width: 98cm
• Item weight: 160kg
• Dimensions: 172.6 x 120 x 110cm
• Special feature: adjustable blade height

If you’re looking for a ride-on mower to mulch grass as you go in comfort, then the Stiga Tornado is a very good choice. This mower has been designed with a side discharge option as well as a mulching function. 

Mulching is a natural way to fertilise your garden with little effort. The mulch can be collected and discharged through the side of the mower, spreading the pieces back onto your garden. 

Powered by a Stiga 352cc engine, this tractor mower is a powerful unit that can get the job done efficiently. The petrol tank has a capacity of 6l, so you can get quite a bit of work done before needing to refuel. 

The 98cm cutting deck is a brilliant feature as it helps to care for larger areas at once. Designed for a working area of 4500m by 4500m, this lawn mower is ideal for large gardens or gardens that require frequent work. 

A good feature of this tractor mower is that the blade height can be adjusted to 7 different positions, ranging from 25mm to 80mm. This allows you more control over the height of the grass in various areas of the garden.

Pros: 

•  Adjustable blade height
• Mulching capability
• 6 gears available for adjustment

Cons:

• Loud at 86dB(A) 

Yard Force E559 Electric Ride-On Mulching Mower

Best Ride-On Lawn Mower for Large Gardens

Yard Force E559 Battery-Powered Electric Ride-On Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: battery-powered
• Cutting width: 96cm
• Item weight: 213kg
• Dimensions: 164 x 117 x 104cm
• Special feature: adjustable cutting height

Capable of reaching speeds of 12.9km/h forward and 8km/h while mowing, this E559 electric tractor mower is ideal for large areas and rough terrain. Additionally, a mow-in-reverse function allows you to double back if needed.

For greater control over your garden and how it is tended to, this mower gives you multiple cutting heights. You can adjust the height of the blades to 1 of 12 positions, ranging from a height of 38 to 114mm. 

Equipped with an anti-tip frame, this mower is powered by a 56V lithium-ion battery. This allows the mower to operate powerfully and get the job done efficiently without risking your safety or comfort. 

Users have found that the greatest benefit of this mower is the silent operation. This gives them more control over when they can use their mower and does not pose as great a threat to their hearing as a petrol mower would. 

An excellent benefit to this mower is the 2-year warranty. Should you experience an issue, Yard Force will be able to help you sort out any problems. 

Pros: 

• Multiple cutting heights
• Quiet for suburban areas
• Powerful and efficient

Cons:

• Large and bulky

Feider FRT-7550M Compact Ride-On Lawn Mower with Manual Drive

Best Ride-On Mower for 1 Acre

Feider FRT-7550M Compact Ride-On Lawn Mower with Manual Drive

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol-powered
• Cutting width: 76cm
• Item weight: 160kg
• Dimensions: 115 x 155 x 85cm
• Special feature: rear-discharge functionality

Designed for comfort and ease of use, the Feider compact mower is among the best options for 1-acre plots of land. With cutting height options ranging from 20 to 90mm, which can be adjusted using an easy lever, this mower is powerful and effective. 

The 432cc 4-stroke engine is ideal for larger gardens as it is powerful enough to keep going despite obstacles. With a 4.2l petrol tank, you can get the job done efficiently before needing to refuel, making it ideal for large plots of land. 

With manual drive, you can shift this ride-on mower into 5 forward positions and 1 reverse, getting the mower to speeds of 1.5km/hr to 8km/hr when moving forward. This is a benefit if your garden or plot of land has any obstacles such as trees and bushes, or garden features. 

Ideal for large gardens up to 5000 by 5000m (more than an acre), this powerful mower gets the job done efficiently. The 4.2l petrol tank ensures that you can power your mower for as long as needed without needing to stop and refuel. 

Pros: 

• Compact and easy to manoeuvre
• Mulching, collection and rear-discharge functions
• Large collection bag of 170l

Cons:

• Smaller cutting deck at 76cm

Stiga Gyro 500e Electric Axial Ride-On Mower

Best Electric Ride-On Mower

Stiga Gyro 500e ’Drive-by-Wire Electric Battery-Powered Axial Ride-On Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: battery-powered
• Cutting width: 98cm
• Item weight: 230kg
• Dimensions: 175 x 119 x 116cm
• Special feature: comfortable high-back seat

For a quiet and powerful ride-on mower, the electric 500e tractor is an excellent option. Part of the Stiga series 5, this mower is designed to be a quieter and more efficient way to care for your garden. Suitable for areas up to 5000 by 5000m, the Gyro is a good option for large plots of land. 

Using a side-discharge system, this mower is ideal for those who want to use mulch in their gardens. The blades can be adjusted to one of 8 positions, ranging from a cutting height of 25 to 105mm. This gives you more control over the appearance of your garden and the size of your cuttings. 

A lithium-ion battery powers this mower, ensuring you get the job done efficiently and without delay. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge the battery, meaning you can charge it overnight before needing to use it again. 

A downside of this mower is that it has a maximum slope of 15 degrees, meaning you cannot use it for steep slopes. However, if your garden or plot of land is flat, then this is a good option. 

Pros: 

• Maximum speed of 11km/hr
• LED headlights for low light 
• Joystick driving system

Cons:

• Not suitable for steep slopes

Simplicity Broadmoor SYT410 Garden Tractor

Best Ride-On Mower with Roller

Simplicity Broadmoor SYT410 Garden Tractor

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol-powered
• Cutting width: 122cm
• Item weight: 328kg
• Dimensions: 198 x 150 x 119cm
• Special feature: adjustable cutting height

Made from durable materials, this SYT410 ride-on mower is a good option if you are looking for rear rollers. The full-width rollers help to squash grass, vegetation and topsoil. This creates a stripe effect on the grass, making it the best ride-on mower for stripes on our list. 

A fabricated steel mower deck means this mower will remain resistant to moisture during use. Similarly, a cast iron front axle means this mower is durable and will last longer than a mower made with cheaper materials. 

The height of the blades can be adjusted between 3.2 to 10.2cm, allowing you to alter it depending on the need, such as around pavements or walkways. Smooth acceleration both in reverse and forward pairs well with the tight turning radius. This allows greater control when caring for your lawn.

Finally, a benefit to buying the Simplicity mower is that it comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Should you experience any issues with the mower, the company can help you repair or replace the problem part. 

Pros: 

• Full-width rear rollers
• Large cutting deck
• Durable materials

Cons:

• Mulch kit not included but optional

Racing 6224PR Compact Ride-On Mower

Best Ride-On Lawn Mower with Collector

Racing 6224PR Compact Ride-On Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Product Specs and Features

• Power source: petrol-powered
• Cutting width: 61cm
• Item weight: 136kg
• Dimensions: 180 x 72 x 106cm
• Special feature: durable materials

As an efficient and compact tractor mower, the 6224PR is an excellent option. It has 4 forward and 1 reverse option, allowing you to set the speed to match the terrain and need. The speed of the mower can go from 1.5 to 4.6km/h forwards and 2.3km/h in reverse. 

If you are looking for the best small ride-on mower, then this Racing mower is a good option. The narrow, 61cm cutting deck means that it may take longer to tackle large areas while giving you the benefit of easier manoeuvrability. 

This mower comes with a high-capacity and powerful 4-stroke engine which works with an electric start system. Combined with a narrow body that allows the mower to fit into narrow areas, you can get the job done efficiently regardless of the size of your garden.

Finally, the spacious design of the mower means you can sit comfortably while operating the machinery. It has been designed to last against frequent use, with a durable steel cutting deck. This is a benefit as steel is an anti-corrosive material which will not rust when exposed to water.

Pros: 

• Fuel efficient
• Large 150l collection bag
• Compact design

Cons:

• No mulching option

How to Buy the Best Tractor Mower in 2023

Power source

Various factors may influence whether you buy an electric or petrol tractor mower. Electric mowers tend to be quieter due to the smaller engine. However, petrol mowers are more powerful and are better suited for tough terrain and larger gardens. 

Maintenance

Ride on mowers require frequent maintenance, making it a good idea to go to a professional. The blades need to be sharpened and cleaned, the belts need to be checked and the oil needs to be changed. It is a lot to take on, but it is a necessity. 

Durability

Large gardens will require maintenance more often than smaller gardens. You will therefore need to use your ride-on mower more often, leading to wear and tear. It is important to buy a mower that’s built with durable materials that won’t break with frequent use. 

Cutting width

Garden tractors often have a larger cutting deck due to the size of the machine. This makes it easier to tackle larger parts of your garden at a time. An additional feature to look for is adjustable blade heights to add more variety. 

Warranty

When buying a machine with many moving parts, a warranty is a must. If you experience any issues with your lawn tractor or with a part, then the company you bought it from will replace or repair the issue for you. This is only possible with a warranty in place. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are riding lawn mowers worth it?

When it comes to large gardens or plots of land up to 1 acre, riding mowers are well worth it. These mowers have larger cutting decks and are more powerful. This makes it easier to deal with large areas and get the job done efficiently. 

How long do tractor mowers last?

When taken care of correctly, many users have found that they can get a good 6 to 10 years out of their mowers. This is only with correct maintenance and when issues are spotted and dealt with swiftly. 

How long can you leave petrol in a ride-on mower?

Unfortunately, oil petrol left in a mower can go bad in 2 to 4 weeks. If it is left any longer, it can cause damage to your mower and will be expensive to repair. It is therefore important to ensure you are changing out your oil frequently. 

How often do tractor mowers require maintenance?

To get the most out of your ride-on mower, it is important to tune it at least once a year. Although it only takes 30 minutes to do, this is an important step and should not be ignored. 

What parts of a ride-on mower need to be maintained?

The outside of your mower needs to be cleaned, after which moving parts need to be lubricated. Next, the air filter needs to be changed and the spark plugs replaced. Finally, change the oil in the mower and check the mower belts. 

Conclusion

Now that we have looked at our top picks, you should have a clearer idea of which ride on lawn mower is suitable for your needs. Each of our recommendations could be a good option for you, with the main differences being based on technical aspects.

Each ride-on lawn mower has been evaluated on its power source, the size of the cutting deck and the special features that could benefit you. Depending on the terrain in your garden and your own preferences, these features could make or break an option for you. 

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to reach out.

Over time, the soil underneath the lawn will become compacted. Above ground, a thick impenetrable layer of thatch and organic debris develops, preventing air, water and nutrients from reaching the grasses root system. If you want a lush, healthy lawn, chances are that you need a good lawn aerator.

Aeration is the process of making holes in the lawn to create ventilation. You could use a simple fork, but solid or hollow-tined manual aerators will provide more effective aeration. Electric machines are also available for more extensive gardens.

Scarifying will remove the thatch and debris, but aeration is needed to remove or loosen the compacted soil beneath the lawn.

We have reviewed the most popular aerators and compiled a list of the best models on the market, both manual and powered, helping you to find the lawn aerator best suited to your requirements.

Our Grass Aerators TOP Picks

Best for Small Gardens	Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best for Small to Medium Lawns	Einhell RG-SA 1433 Electric Scarifier and Lawn Aerator 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best Heavy Duty	Agri-Fab 48-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best for Medium to Large Lawns	Hyundai 1500w Electric Lawn Scarifier & Aerator 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best Aerator Shoes	Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes 4.1	Check Latest Price »
Best Rolling Lawn Aerator	Greenkey Rolling Lawn Aerator & Grass Spiker 4.0	Check Latest Price »
Best Manual Aerator	Ames 2917400 4 Spike Lawn Aerator 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best for Clay Soil	Swardman Professional Stainless Steel Hollow Tine Fork Aerator 4.8	Check Latest Price »

Best for Small Gardens

Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best for Small to Medium Lawns

Einhell RG-SA 1433 Electric Scarifier and Lawn Aerator

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best Heavy Duty

Agri-Fab 48-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best for Medium to Large Lawns

Hyundai 1500w Electric Lawn Scarifier & Aerator

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Aerator Shoes

Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes

4.1

Check Latest Price »

Best Rolling Lawn Aerator

Greenkey Rolling Lawn Aerator & Grass Spiker

4.0

Check Latest Price »

Best Manual Aerator

Ames 2917400 4 Spike Lawn Aerator

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best for Clay Soil

Swardman Professional Stainless Steel Hollow Tine Fork Aerator

4.8

Check Latest Price »

Best Lawn Aerators

Listed below are what we consider to be the eight best Lawn Aerators:

1. Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator
2. Einhell RG-SA 1433 Electric Scarifier & Lawn Aerator
3. Agri-Fab 48-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator
4. Hyundai 1500w Electric Lawn Scarifier & Aerator
5. Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes
6. Greenkey Rolling Lawn Aerator & Grass Spiker
7. Ames 2917400 4 Spike Lawn Aerator
8. Swardman Professional Stainless Steel Hollow Tine Aerator

Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator

Best Lawn Aerator for Small Gardens

Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Manual
• Power Source – Manual
• Method of Aeration – Plug
• Weight – 1.2kg

We rate the Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator as the best aerator on the UK market. The Walensee is an affordable, effective and sturdy hollow tine aerator designed for manual operation in small to medium-sized gardens.

The Walensee lawn aerator is a t-shaped manual fork aerator with two prongs that extract cores from the lawn to relieve compaction and dethatching, allowing air, water and nutrients to get down to the root system.

This aerator is constructed from heavy-duty, lightweight steel and feels light but sturdy. The T-Bar handle is padded, making it easy to grip and it provides a comfortable stance while aerating.

The foot bar provides extra leverage and the foot ring is a good size to fit even large shoes or work boots.

Tapered and unique conical prongs ensure easy, deep penetration of the lawn. Cores approximately 10cm deep and 2cm in diameter are quickly ejected and it works effectively on all soil types.

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Easy to use
• Cores eject smoothly and don’t break
• Produces deep, thick cores

Cons

• Manual operation – only suitable for small lawns

Einhell RG-SA 1433 Electric Scarifier & Lawn Aerator

Best Walk Behind Lawn Aerator for Small to Medium Lawns

Einhell RG-SA 1433 Electric Scarifier and Lawn Aerator

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Walk behind
• Power Source – Electric
• Method of Aeration – Spike (blades)
• Weight – 12.5kg

A manual aerator works well for small gardens, but if you have a medium to large-sized lawn, aerating becomes labour-intensive and it would be advisable to use an electric-powered aerator.

The Einhell RG-SA 1433 is a 2-in-1 aerator and scarifier with a 48-claw aerator roller and a 20-blade, stainless steel spike drum for scarifying. Both are ball-bearing mounted to ensure smooth operation.

Although the body and wheels on this model are all made of plastic, it feels robust and solid. Changing from the aerator to the scarifier roller is a simple operation and can be done quickly using an Allen key that is supplied and always at hand as it can be attached to the handle.

A 1400-watt electric motor delivers more than enough power for scarifying and has three adjustable heights. It is advisable to test the height on a separate patch of grass to get the settings right, especially when using the aerator, so you don’t damage your lawn accidentally.

The Einhell’s height-adjustable handle allows you to get into a comfortable position and it can be folded up for easy storage. The 28-litre capacity collection bag only tends to collect about 75% of the debris but does at least assist in cleaning up.

This machine is perfect for those making a fresh start to reviving their dying grass. 

Pros:

• Easy to assemble
• Powerful 1400 W motor
• Aerator and scarifier rollers are easy and quick to change
• Allen key for changing rollers can be stored in the machine’s handle

Cons:

• Collection bag could have a larger capacity
• The power cable is too short, an extension cable will be required

Agri-Fab 48-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator

Best Tow Behind and Heavy Duty Plug Aerator

Agri-Fab 48-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Tow behind
• Power Source – Tractor
• Method of Aeration – Plug
• Weight – 42kg

The Agri-Fab plug aerator has 32 galvanised plugs that will penetrate to a depth of 7.6cm. It’s the ideal heavy-duty lawn aerator when you have heavy soil and large areas to aerate. As with all tow-behind aerators, you will need a lawn tractor to attach to the universal hitch.

The plug aerator is best used in late autumn or spring when the moisture content of the soil is at its highest. Due to its 63.5 kg weight tray, the AgrFab Plug-Type Aerator can penetrate the most challenging soil types.

Heat-treated steel coring points remove 2cm plugs from the lawn. They won’t break or buckle under heavy loads, and with a 122cm working width, you can cover a large area with each pass.

The cantilever transport handle enables the plugs to be raised and lowered easily, while the ten-inch tires roll smoothly even over rutted terrain.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Best for large lawns with clay soils
• 122cm working width

Cons:

• Requires a lawn tractor
• Weights not included

Hyundai 1500w Electric Lawn Scarifier & Aerator

Best Aerator for Medium to Large Lawns

Hyundai 1500w Electric Lawn Scarifier & Aerator

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Walk behind
• Power Source – Electrical
• Method of Aeration – Spike (blades)
• Weight – 11.5kg

The powerful Hyundai 1500W Electric Scarifier/Aerator includes a 10-metre power cable. It is ideal for spongy or sparse lawns and lawns prone to flooding. It features adjustable handles for comfort while aerating, the handles are also foldable for easy storage.

This lawn mower is lightweight, weighing only 11.5kg, and the robust wheels make this unit easy and comfortable to move around. At the same time, the designed wide treads protect the lawn from damage while using the aerator.

The 36cm working width with 20 hardened steel blades will work efficiently across a large lawn removing moss, lawn thatch and dead grass when scarifying or cutting into the ground when aerating.

The Hyundai HYSC1500E has five working depths ranging from -12mm to 10mm and the depth can be controlled using an adjustment lever.

When used as an aerator, this machine cuts into the lawn to create air pockets and should be set at -6mm for the best results. If it is set lower, too much lawn will be dug up.

Although the 45-litre collection bag is a good size, not all the debris will be collected and raking will be necessary to remove all the cuttings.

Pros:

• Easy to switch between aerator and scarifier
• Five height settings
• Lightweight and easy to use
• 36cm working width adequate for larger lawns.
• Three-year warranty

Cons:

• Not all the debris is collected by collection bag
• Assembly, especially fitting the collection bag, can be difficult and take time 

Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes

Best Lawn Aerator Shoes

Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Aerator shoes
• Power Source – Manual
• Method of Aeration – Spike
• Weight – 0.98kg

Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes are spiked aerator shoes that attach to the bottom of regular shoes using velcro straps.

They are easy to fit and remove, fully adjustable and can fit both male and female shoe sizes. Anti-slip pads connect to the sole of your boots, helping to prevent slipping.

Each shoe has 13 spikes, approximately 5cm long, that can penetrate all soil types for effective aerating. These spikes are also replaceable if required.

While these aerator shoes are easy to use, you will have to get used to walking in them as initially, it will be challenging to maintain balance. Aerator shoes work best on a lawn that has been thoroughly watered. If the soil is dry, the spikes can be difficult to push into the ground.

Ohuhu Aerator shoes are a quick and easy way to aerate your lawn and are ideal for busy gardeners as they can aerate the lawn while performing other tasks in the garden.

Pros:

• Can aerate and do other jobs in the garden simultaneously
• Velcro straps allow aerator shoes to fit any shoe size
• Anti-slip pads offer good grip even when the grass is wet
• Quality straps that are easy to fasten

Cons:

• Lawn must be thoroughly watered
• Need to get used to walking on them

Greenkey Rolling Lawn Aerator & Grass Spiker

Best Rolling Lawn Aerator

Greenkey Rolling Lawn Aerator & Grass Spiker

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Rolling Lawn – Push/Pull Aerator
• Power Source – Manual
• Method of Aeration – Spike
• Weight – 2.8kg

The Greenkey Rolling Lawn Aerator is a lightweight aerator made with sturdy spikes. It’s perfect for aerating small lawns and will effectively loosen the soil, allowing air, water and fertiliser to reach the roots.

This aerator has a T-bar handle grip with an adjustable shaft for the most comfortable height. The drum is 30cm wide, narrow enough to manoeuvre around smaller areas, making it one of the better aerators for smaller gardens.

The Greenkey Aerator includes 30, 45mm long metal spikes that work well to aerate moist ground. However, it must be noted that for this unit to be effective, the soil must be damp. This unit is relatively light and the spikes will have difficulty penetrating hard ground.

Assembly of this unit can take time and will require more tools than those supplied.

Pros:

• Long handle is adjustable to suit all heights
• Narrow width makes for easy manoeuvrability around smaller gardens
• Metal spikes are high-quality and durable

Cons:

• Lightweight and not suitable for firm, dry ground
• Assembly of the unit can take a long time

Ames 2917400 4 Spike Lawn Aerator

Best Manual Spike Aerator

Ames 2917400 4 Spike Lawn Aerator

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Spike Aerator
• Power Source – Manual
• Method of Aeration – Spike
• Weight – 1.41kg

The Ames 4-Spike Lawn Aerator is built for aerating smaller lawns. It has four spikes that are manually pushed into the ground to allow water, oxygen and nutrients to reach the grassroots. This aerator is perfect for those with small gardens and little storage space.

The Ames aerator isn’t hollow-tined, so it won’t remove a plug from the soil, but it is still very effective.  Four 6mm spikes, create holes that will allow air, water and nutrients to get deeper into the soil.

The stirrup design and foot bar make it easy to insert the spikes into the soil. This is an affordable, simple, comfortable and easy-to-use tool that’s ideal for small gardens.

Pros:

• Creates good-sized holes 8cm deep and 6mm wide
• Foot bar makes it easy to push into the soil
• Small, compact and easy to store
• Easier to use than hollow-tine aerators

Cons:

• Suitable for small to medium-sized gardens only
• Does not loosen any compacted ground, as no soil is removed

Swardman Professional Stainless Steel Hollow Tine Aerator

Best Aerator for Clay Soils

Swardman Professional Stainless Steel Hollow Tine Fork Aerator

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Features

• Type of Aerator – Plug Aerator
• Power Source – Manual
• Method of Aeration – Hollow Tine
• Weight – 2.5kg

The Swardman hollow-tine aerator is made entirely of stainless steel and is built to last. If one of the tines breaks, it can easily be replaced as spare tines are sold separately. The fork features three hollow tines, 90 mm apart, with a length of 130 mm and an internal diameter of 16mm.

This aerator includes specially designed open-faced tubes, not solid cylinders like most plug aerators, reducing the possibility of soil getting blocked in the tines.

This aerator is more expensive than other manual hollow-tine aerators. Still, it is sturdily built with durable materials and is one of the best if you are looking for an efficient hollow-tine aerator for clay soil.

Pros:

• Open-faced tines prevent plugs from getting stuck
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Tines are replaceable and screw in
• Removes 13cm long soil plugs

Cons:

• T-handle is relatively narrow. It could be uncomfortable for people with larger hands
• Best for smaller lawns due to the method of aeration being slow and arduous

How to Buy the Best Lawn Aerators

There are many factors to consider when choosing an aerator. For example, do you want something with more power or an aerator you have more control over? Also, is your soil soft or thick with clay?

This buyer guide will provide information and advice on the various lawn aerator products to give you a better idea of choosing the aerator best suited to your needs.

Aerator Types

The type of aerator you choose will depend on the condition and size of your lawn and your personal preferences and skills. For example, if you have a thatch problem, a 2-in-1 aerator/scarifier may be an option.

Powered Aerators

The main advantage of powered aerators is that they are powerful, quicker, labour-saving and are generally used on more extensive lawns. In addition, powered aerators typically come as a 2-in-1 combination that also scarifies, a bonus if you have a thatch problem.

It’s important to note that powered aerators use metal blades that create shallow slits rather than deep holes. Although they will help maintain a healthy lawn by allowing air, water and nutrients to move through the top layer of soil, they are ineffective if you have clay soil.

Powered aerators are also more expensive, especially considering that you will only use them twice yearly and require more space to store them.

Types of Powered Aerators

Powered aerators are available in electric, cordless or petrol models:

• Electric corded aerators are lightweight, quiet, generally cost less and are suited for smaller to medium gardens that have a power supply
• Cordless aerators are lightweight and quiet but tend to cost more, and batteries need to be recharged regularly
• Petrol aerators are the most powerful but are noisy and require more maintenance and servicing to keep them operating efficiently.

Roller Spike Aerators

The rolling drum garden aerator is a popular type of aerator. They are affordable and effective at getting the job done. It has two wheels that propel a drum with spikes attached to push down into the lawn creating small thin holes.

As a guide, 27 spikes will give you about 180 spikes per square metre, and the spikes should be at least 5cm long to ensure that they penetrate the soil deeply. Also, check that the roller is heavy enough to push the pines quickly into the ground.

Aerator Spike Shoes

Aerator spike shoes are cheap and easy to use and are most effective on soft ground and in small gardens. They look like the soles of a shoe with spikes and are attached to your shoes using Velcro straps.

They are a “one size fits all” type of attachment and must be properly tightened to avoid the shoes falling off. Once tightly fitted, you walk on top of the grass, and the spikes will push down into the lawn and allow air and water to reach the roots.

The ground must be soft enough to allow the spikes to penetrate quickly. In addition, you will have to get used to walking on them as, initially, it will be challenging to maintain balance.

Manual Aerators

There are two different methods of aerating your lawn manually:

1. Spiking – involves solid spikes to create holes in the ground that are a couple of millimetres wide and several centimetres deep to allow air, water and fertiliser to reach the grassroots.
2. Hollow tining –the process of pushing hollow tines into the ground to remove cylindrical plugs of turf a centimetre wide and a few centimetres deep. This method is perfect for aerating compacted and clay soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Type of Lawn Aerator?

The manual hollow tine aerator is excellent at removing and providing the best aeration, and many quality models in the UK market will eject the plugs efficiently. However, although arguably the most effective method of aerating your lawn, it is labour-intensive and will tire you out quickly.

How Long should Lawn Aerator spikes be?

You can spike your turf between 5cm and 15cm using a rolling lawn aerator, aerator sandals or multi-prong aerators. Aerating with spikes can be repeated every few months.

How much does it cost to rent a Lawn Aerator?

It costs around £45 plus a £100 deposit to rent a solid or hollow tine petrol lawn aerator for one day. It may not include petrol. Prices may vary according to the time of year and where you rent the equipment.

Roller spike aerators can be rented at roughly £16 per day

When is the best time to aerate your lawn?

Usually, the best time to aerate your lawn in the UK is either in autumn or spring, when the soil is most likely to be naturally moist and therefore easier to aerate effectively.

Conclusion

Lawn aerators improve the appearance of grass over time by penetrating the ground and allowing air, water and nutrients to reach the grassroots.

There are several different types of lawn aerators available that can produce different results.

After considering all the factors mentioned in this guide, we trust that you can choose the model and type that best suits your needs and requirements.

If you are privileged enough to own a large garden, keeping it well-trimmed, neat and attractive requires cutting the lawn regularly.

Although petrol lawnmowers are regarded as the best and most effective mowers for large properties, many cordless and corded mowers in the market can perform the task quickly and effectively and, in some cases, more cost-effectively.

Choosing the lawnmower most suited to your garden’s size and layout is essential. Still, it can be daunting, considering the variety of available lawnmowers.

We have reviewed the machines that we believe to be the best petrol, corded or cordless lawnmowers to guide you in choosing the mower that best suits your lawn’s size and configuration.

TOP Wide Cutting Lawnmowers for Large Gardens

Best Petrol	Hyundai 196cc Petrol Lawnmower 4.4	Check Latest Price »
Best Battery Self-Propelled	Murray 2x18V (36V) Lithium-Ion 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best Corded Electric	Bosch Advanced Rotak 650 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best Budget	Webb Supreme WER 460 SP Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Best-sized Collection Bag	Einhell GE-PM S HW-E Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower 4.3	Check Latest Price »
Most Reliable	Honda Izy HRG 466 PK Petrol Lawn Mower 4.7	Check Latest Price »
Best Hover	LawnMaster 1800W 36cLawn Master Hover Electric Hover Mowerm Electric Hover Mower – Grass Collection Box, Adjustable Cutting Heights, for Medium to Large Lawns 4.1	Check Latest Price »
Best Mulching	Cobra MX534SPH 53cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower 4.3	Check Latest Price »

Best Petrol

Hyundai 196cc Petrol Lawnmower

4.4

Check Latest Price »

Best Battery Self-Propelled

Murray 2x18V (36V) Lithium-Ion 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Corded Electric

Bosch Advanced Rotak 650 Electric Rotary Lawnmower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Budget

Webb Supreme WER 460 SP Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best-sized Collection Bag

Einhell GE-PM S HW-E Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Most Reliable

Honda Izy HRG 466 PK Petrol Lawn Mower

4.7

Check Latest Price »

Best Hover

LawnMaster 1800W 36cLawn Master Hover Electric Hover Mowerm Electric Hover Mower – Grass Collection Box, Adjustable Cutting Heights, for Medium to Large Lawns

4.1

Check Latest Price »

Best Mulching

Cobra MX534SPH 53cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower

4.3

Check Latest Price »

Best Lawn mowers for Large Gardens to Buy in 2023

Here are the lawnmowers that we believe will be perfect for maintaining a lawn on a large property:

• Hyundai 196CC Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
• Murry Lithium 44cmCrdless Lawn Mower
• Bosch Advanced Rotak 650 Electric Rotary Lawnmower
• Webb Supreme WER 460 SPHand Push 4-Wheel Petrol Rotary
• Einhell GE-PM 53/25 HW-E Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
• Honda Izzy HRG 466 PK Self-Propelled 145cc
• Lawn Master Hover Electric Hover Mower
• Cobra MX534SPH Self-Propelled

Hyundai 196CC Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Best Petrol Rotary Mower 

Hyundai 196cc Petrol Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Self-propelled petrol
• Power – 3600W
• Weight – 38.7kg
• Cutting width – 51cm
• Cutting height – 25-75mm
• Collection Bag – 55L

We recommend the Hyundai 1966cc Self Propelled Lawn Mower as the best for large gardens on the UK market.

The powerful 196cc 4-stroke engine has a lot of force behind it, allowing you to get the mowing done faster on more extensive lawns. The 51cm cutting width combined with a 70-litre grass bag means you can cover a vast area without stopping.

There are six cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 75mm. With this powerful petrol motor, the higher setting allows you to tackle long or wet grass.

A mulching plug is included and will shred and deposit the clippings back onto your lawn, providing shade and fertiliser for the soil instead of collecting the clippings in a grass box.

Due to the size of this model, you may not be able to get it in and out of tighter areas, so it would be advisable to consider this if you have narrow passages. However, the weight of 38.7 Kg is not a problem while mowing as the machine is self-propelled and easy to manoeuvre.

The handles can be folded down, making it easy to stow and transport.

Pros:

• Offers plenty of power
• Large 70-litre grass bag capacity 
• Sturdy design and construction
• Easy to use
• Mulching plug is simple to use
• Covered by a 3-year Platinum Warranty

Cons:

• Not recommended for small gardens
• Difficult to get into narrow passageways due to its size

Murray Lithium 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower

Best Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Murray 2x18V (36V) Lithium-Ion 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Cordless – Walk-behind
• Power – 2x Briggs and Stratton 18 V batteries
• Weight – 14kg
• Cutting width – 44cm
• Cutting height – 25-75mm
• Collection Bag – 50L

The Murray -Lithium -Ion IQ18WM44 cordless lawn mower is powered by 2 x 18-volt 5.0Ah batteries, a 36-volt brushless motor and a dual battery charger. The batteries will provide up to 36 minutes run time and take 110 minutes to charge.

With two powerful Briggs and Stratton batteries and a cutting width of 44cm, this mower is ideal for more extensive lawns up to 640 square metres.

A single lever allows you to adjust the cutting height to seven levels ranging from 25mm to 75mm and it can cut and collect with a rear discharge of the cuttings into a 50-litre collection box. If desired, a mulching plug is available to mulch the trimmings and leave them on the lawn.

The foam padding on the handles is thick enough to absorb vibration and the angle of the handle can be adjusted to suit the operator for maximum comfort while mowing. A battery indicator gauge will show you your available power by pressing the button.

Pros:

• Light and easy to use
• With a dual battery charger, both batteries can be charged simultaneously
• Good run time of 36 minutes
• Briggs and Stratton build quality
• Five years limited product warranty – 3 years limited warranty on battery and charger

Cons:

• Mulching plug is not supplied. It comes as an optional extra

Bosch Advanced Rotak 650 Electric Rotary Lawnmower

Best Corded Electric Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Bosch Advanced Rotak 650 Electric Rotary Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Corded electric
• Power – 1700 W
• Weight – 16kg
• Cutting width – 41cm
• Cutting height – 25-80mm
• Collection Bag – 50L

The Bosch brand is well known and has an excellent reputation for reliable and affordable products. The Advanced 650 is a corded lawn mower with a powerful 1700W engine.  It’s strong enough to handle any lawn size up to 650 square metres while remaining agile and easy to move.

The cutting width of 41 cm uses hardened steel blades. There are seven adjustable cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 80mm. Changing the cutting height is quick and easy. It also features an effective leaf collector blade.

An easy-to-fit, 50-litre grass box is supplied and, due to its size, fewer trips are needed to empty the bag. In addition, the bag is collapsible for convenient and easy storage.

ProSilence is a feature developed by Bosch that reduces the noise level by up to 75% to 89 dB. Noise is a major irritation to neighbours as well as the family so this is a great benefit.

The Ergoslide adjustable-handle system, ergonomic handlebars and smooth-running wheels are designed to make pushing straightforward while reducing pressure on your back. In addition, the side combs enable close-edge cutting. This means less effort with a strimmer.

Pros:

• ProSilence reduces sound to 89 Db
• Height adjustable with the simple pressing of a button
• LeafCollect Blade
• Easy to assemble
• Easy, relaxed mowing due to ErgoSlide handles and Smooth running wheels

Cons:

• Power cord of 10 metres could be longer

Webb Supreme WER 460 SP Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower

Best Budget Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Webb Supreme WER 460 SP Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Self-propelled
• Power – 2500 W
• Weight – 33kg
• Cutting width – 46cm
• Cutting height – 25-75mm
• Collection Bag – 55L

The Webb WER460SP is designed in the UK by Webb Garden Power, one of the most sought-after brands. It is a petrol-powered rotary lawn mower with a robust build quality that will deliver an enhanced cutting performance at a reasonable and competitive price.

This powerful mower has a 141cc motor that is smooth and quiet, with the DVO140 series being known for its low emissions, performance and fuel economy.

This Webb WER460 SP Classic is a self-propelled four-wheel mower with a 46cm steel cutter deck that is strong and durable and can easily traverse undulating and rough grass areas.

There are seven preset cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 75mm that can easily be selected using a single lever and four cutting modes: rear discharge, side discharge, collect or mulch. Grass clippings are deposited in a 55-litre capacity bag.

This unit is easy to store, featuring folding handles and a collapsible fabric grass bag.

Pros:

• Self-propelled drive
• Powerful 141cc engine
• Seven adjustable cutting heights
• Strong, robust build
• 4-in-1 cutting modes
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Self-propelled speed may be too quick for some users

Einhell GE-PM S HW-E Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

Best-sized Collection Bag on Lawnmowers for Large Lawns

Einhell GE-PM S HW-E Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Self-propelled
• Power – 2800 W
• Weight – 40.2kg
• Cutting width – 53cm
• Cutting height – 25-70mm
• Collection Bag – 80L

If you are looking for a lawnmower capable of tackling long and overgrown grass, then the Einhell Ge-Pm 52 S HW-E will be perfect. This self-propelled mower has a 4-stroke engine that delivers enough power to mow lawns up to 1800 square metres.

This mower has a lithium-ion body and all parts are of excellent quality, making this a durable and robust unit. The Einhell quick start system assures effortless starting.

The mower has a 53cm cutting width that ensures quick, efficient cutting across large open stretches but is less manoeuvrable than mowers with a narrower cutting width and is therefore not suitable for gardens with lots of flower beds or obstacles to move around.

Cutting heights can be adjusted to six positions ranging from 25mm to 70mm. In addition, due to a sizeable 80L collection bag, you will not have to empty the bag as frequently. An attached level indicator lets you see when the bag needs emptying.

Pros:

• Easy to start with the Einhell quick start system
• Robust, durable construction
• 80L grass collector bag
• 53cm cutting width allows for quick, efficient cutting of expansive lawns
• Is suitable for overgrown areas as well as wet and long grass

Cons:

• Self-propelled engine is set at only one speed, which may be too quick for some people
• Difficult to manoeuvre around gardens with obstacles like flower beds.

Honda Izy HRG 466 PK Petrol Lawn Mower

Most reliable Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Honda Izy HRG 466 PK Petrol Lawn Mower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Push lawn mower
• Power – 145cc
• Weight – 31kg
• Cutting width – 46cm
• Cutting height – 20-74mm
• Collection Bag – 50L

The Honda Izy HRG 466 PK is a push lawn mower, therefore, you set the pace to suit your conditions and can always remain in complete control. It is also lightweight and easy to operate.

This Honda Izy 466 PK is powered by a robust and reliable Honda GVC x 145 engine and has an Auto Choke System that ensures it is easy to start even in cold weather.

The cutter deck is 46cm wide and made from pressed steel. It’s incredibly lightweight while remaining robust and durable, and it’s resistant to water, corrosion and UV Rays. This ensures that it will last even in tough conditions.

There are six preset cutting heights ranging from 20mm to 74mm that copes well with all types and lengths of grass. A high-airflow 50L collection bag is made from ultra-fine mesh which, in combination with the rotating blades, creates a vacuum effect ensuring maximum collection without affecting the airflow.

The Izy HRG 466 PK features folding handles, allowing you to store your mower without using too much space.

This unit is built to give you trouble-free mowing for years and Honda offers a 5-year domestic use warranty covering parts and labour.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to use
• Powerful, reliable engine
• Choice of six adjustable cutting heights
• Durable cutting deck
• Folding handles for easy storage
• Auto Choke System for easy starting even in cold weather
• 5-year warranty (subject to annual service)

Cons:

• Is a bit loud at 94 decibels

Lawnmaster Hover Mower Collect 36cm 1800W

Best For Medium Gardens

LawnMaster 1800W 36cm Electric Hover Mower – Grass Collection Box, Adjustable Cutting Heights, for Medium to Large Lawns

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Electric hover mower
• Power – 1800W
• Weight – 8kg
• Cutting width – 36cm
• Cutting height – 12-33mm
• Collection Bag – 26L

The Lawnmaster Hover Mower floats on a cushion of air, making it lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. This is especially useful on curved lawns, sloping gardens and tight spaces.

Although lightweight at 8kg, this mower has plenty of power and can tackle harsh cutting conditions with its 1800W motor with T-Drive (TM), automatically adjusting the blade speed to suit the grass conditions, whether long or wet.

The grass clippings can be cut, collected and compacted into the translucent grass box, or you can mulch the cuttings to add nutrients back into the lawn. Its reversible blade is sharpened on both sides to double its lifespan.

It has a 36cm cutting width with a 15m power cable making this mower ideal for medium to large lawns.

While the cutting height can be adjusted from 12-33mm, it has to be done by adding or removing the supplied spacers which can be a bit inconvenient. The handles fold down neatly over the body of the lawn mower for compact storage in your garage or shed.

Pros:

• Powerful 1800w motor
• Can switch between cut & collect and mulching
• Auto adjusts power to suit conditions
• Dual-sided blade
• Easy to manoeuvre and lightweight
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Can be restricted by cable length on large lawns
• The flick of a lever does not control height adjustment. You need to add or remove spacers physically

Cobra MX534SPH 53cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower

Best Mulching Lawn Mower for Large Lawns

Cobra MX534SPH 53cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower

Check Latest Price »

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Key Features

• Type – Self-propelled
• Power – 167cc
• Weight – 38kg
• Cutting width – 52cm
• Cutting height – 25-75mm
• Collection Bag – 65L

The Cobra MX534SPH is a self-propelled petrol lawnmower fitted with the 167cc Honda GCVX170 engine with a 3-in-1 cutting option. These options are cut & collect, mulching and side discharge.

A 4-speed self-propelled drive gives you a choice of 2.5kmph, 3.2kmph, 3.6kmph and 3.9kmph, allowing you to work at a higher speed while cutting large open areas. When working in more challenging areas, you can use a lower speed.

With an expansive deck of 53cm, the Cobra MX534SPH is ideally suited to cutting large lawns, and while the rotary blade provides an excellent cut, it is better suited to flat, even areas without any obstacles.

An optional swing tip blade is available with this lawnmower. The 4-blade swing tip system can reduce the risk of damage to the crankshaft if you are cutting in areas with rocks or tree roots.

The Cobra MX534SPH has six cutting height options ranging from 25mm to 75mm that can be adjusted using a single handle. The grass cuttings are collected in a sizeable 65-litre collection bag.

A mulching plug comes with this unit and need not be purchased separately, as with some models. Mulching allows the clippings to be spread across the lawn as you mow, providing fertiliser and nutrients.

Pros:

• Ideal for extensive gardens
• Mulching plug included
• Powerful engine
• Six adjustable cutting heights
• 4-speed self-propelled drive
• Easystart function
• Large 65L Grass collection bag

Cons:

• No rear discharge function

How to Buy the Best Lawn Mower for Large Gardens

Mowing a large lawn can be a long and arduous task and having the wrong mower can decrease your efficiency and make cutting the lawn something you dread. The following factors must be considered when choosing the most suitable mower for your large lawn:

Type of Lawn Mower

Lawnmowers can be categorised as petrol, corded or cordless.

• Petrol lawnmowers are powerful with the capacity to cut through thick, long grass. They can operate in wet conditions and are reasonably cheap to run. Worrying about battery life or the power cable’s length is unnecessary.
• Electric corded lawnmowers require electric cables and a power point which can be less practical when mowing large lawns as most lawnmowers only have a 10-metre power cable and would need an extension cable to cover large gardens.
• Cordless lawnmowers offer all the benefits of a corded unit. However, it is essential to consider purchasing a mower with a long battery life or buying a spare battery to increase the run time to enable you to complete mowing your expansive garden area. Cordless mowers also include robotic lawn mowers. While they are generally designed for smaller gardens there are some models that work on larger gardens.

Weight of Lawn Mower

The mower weight can vary considerably from petrol mowers that often weigh more than 30kg to electric mowers that can weigh as little as 10kg or less. Cordless mowers often weigh even less but are generally not suited to larger gardens.

Although most petrol mowers are self-propelled, they still have to be moved from the garden to the storage area, and if they are heavy, this could be a difficult task.

Essentially, the best lawn mower for you will be one that’s comfortable to manoeuvre around your garden for long periods.

Cutting Width

If you have a sizeable open stretch of lawn, a wide cutting width will allow you to mow the lawn in fewer passes and enable you to mow more quickly. A 45cm to 53cm cutting width is recommended for expansive areas.

If your garden has obstacles such as trees, furniture or garden beds to manoeuvre around, it may be advisable to consider a lawnmower with a narrower cutting width.

Adjustable Cutting Heights

Adjustable cutting heights allow you to adjust the cutting height to suit the length and thickness of your grass. For example, if your grass grows very fast or you tend to let your grass get too long, you will need a cutting height of at least 70mm.

A cutting height of around 20cm is ideal for a short, neat-looking property.

Grass Collection

A collection bag with a minimum capacity of 50L is required if you have a sizeable mowing area. Anything smaller means emptying the collection bag more often, thus interrupting your mowing.

Mulching

If you want to improve your lawn’s health, a lawn mower with a mulching option is worth considering. Mulching can make your soil richer and save time due to not having to empty the collection bag frequently.

Comfort and Ease of Use

Mowing a large garden can take a long time, therefore, having handles that you can adjust to a comfortable height is essential. In addition, rubber grips will reduce the vibration if you have a petrol mower.

Petrol mowers tend to be heavy so check the weight of the lawn mower and look for features that will make it easy to move from storage to lawn. For example, large wheels will help to move your mower in and out of storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of lawnmower is easiest to use?

If you have a large area that needs mowing, then a self-propelled petrol lawnmower is the easiest to use. It uses the engine to power the blade and wheels so you merely have to steer the mower where required.

Self-propelled mowers are easier to use, especially if you have a substantial and hilly yard.

What size mower do I need for a small yard?

For smaller lawns up to 300 square metres, we recommend using an electric corded or cordless battery lawnmower with a cutting width of 30cm to 45 cm.

Conclusion

If have an expansive lawn and want to maintain an immaculate garden quickly and efficiently, you must choose a lawn mower capable of achieving the tasks you need it to perform.

With a wide variety of lawnmowers available, we trust that after considering all the factors and recommended mowers in this guide, you can choose the lawnmower for large lawns that best suits your needs and requirements.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Whether you’re mulching, composting or eliminating thatch build-up, by the time you’ve read this post you’ll know everything you need to know about gathering up all the cut grass your lawn can deliver.

Bagging is counterintuitive. You might think that with their extra horsepower and big cutting decks, the best tool for bagging would be a zero-turn or ride-on mower, but you’d be wrong.

Zero-turns and ride-ons are not as manoeuvrable, they don’t fit in tight spaces, their grass bags don’t fit snugly, and, because they don’t have the suction power of push and self-propelled mowers, they leave behind clumps of grass and leaf debris. 

The faster the blade spins, the cleaner the cut. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of highly-rated mowers with powerful motors. Later we’ll discuss what you can do to easily customise them and create the kind of bagging behemoth that consumes and devours everything in its path.

TOP mowers with grass box