How often should you cut your lawn?

The honest answer is: it depends on the time of year. Here's the rough rule I use for lawns around Wisbech and the Fens.

Spring to early autumn

Through the main growing season, a cut every one to two weeks keeps a lawn thick and healthy. Cutting little and often is far better for the grass than letting it get long and scalping it back.

Winter

Growth slows right down, so most lawns need little or no cutting from late autumn. If the ground is frosty or waterlogged, it's best left alone.

A few tips

• Never take off more than a third of the height in one cut.
• Keep blades sharp — a clean cut is healthier than a torn one.
• In a dry spell, cut a little higher to protect the roots.

If you'd rather not think about it, I offer regular grass cutting on a schedule that suits your lawn.