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Strategies for Deterring Birds from Feeding on Grass Seeds

Head gardener Troy Scott Smith delivers strategies for sowing grass seed to deter bird consumption

Strategies for Keeping Birds Away from Your Grass Seeds
Strategies for Keeping Birds Away from Your Grass Seeds

Strategies for Deterring Birds from Feeding on Grass Seeds

In the world of gardening, maintaining a lush and vibrant lawn is a common goal for many. Head Gardener Troy Scott Smith, known for his work at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, shares his expertise on how to achieve this.

Firstly, sowing a lawn from seed is the best way to ensure a lawn that suits your garden conditions. However, maintaining a perfect lawn involves more than just sowing the seeds.

Avoiding compaction is crucial. Autumn, specifically, is a crucial time for grass area maintenance to relieve compaction.

Thatch build-up in the sward is removed using a scarifier or a metal-tined rake. A mechanical spiker with hollow tines can also be used to improve surface aeration and drainage. Top dressing of sharp sand or old potting compost is used to fill the holes created by the mechanical spiker.

Grass seed can be pre-germinated by mixing it with top dressing a week or so before broadcasting. Pre-germinating the grass seed ensures the lawn greens up more quickly. Interestingly, pigeons do not seem to be interested in eating pre-germinated grass seed.

To protect newly sown grass seed from birds, Troy Scott Smith developed a method at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. The idea is to make the bird feed unattractive for the newly sown grass seed. A video of Troy explaining this method is available for viewing.

Scattered grass seed is often eaten by birds. To prevent this, grass seed is mixed with top dressing and broadcast over bare areas. A hollow roller with a mesh skin is then used to evenly distribute the seed and top dressing over the lawn.

For those seeking an attractive lawn with less effort, a list of 10 tips for keeping a lush lawn is available. Information on fixing bare patches on your lawn is also provided.

For those who are particularly interested in this topic, a separate resource details the history of the lawn's obsession. Furthermore, a video of Troy Scott Smith explaining methods to protect newly sown grass seed from birds is available for viewing.

In conclusion, with the right care and maintenance, anyone can have a beautiful lawn. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Troy Scott Smith's tips provide a solid foundation for lawn care success.

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