Lawn and Grass Maintenance

Lawn and grass maintenance is Cyprus can be very difficult due to very high summer temperatures which have damaging effects on ones lawn or grass. The points following below will hopefully help you in keeping your lawn or grass green and healthy.

Cyprus is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea with summer temperatures soaring to up to 45 degrees Celsius. This makes it extremely difficult to maintain your lawn or the grass you have in your garden because it is susceptible to many insects, worms, larvae and fungus. After many years of trail and error I have discovered a formula that will keep your lawn or grass in great shape. Here is what you have to do according to the months of the year:

• January – Water once a week for 10 minutes during early morning. Mow the lawn once a week.
• February – Water once a week for 10 minutes during early morning. Mow the lawn once a week.
• March – Water once a week for 10 minutes during early morning. Mow the lawn once a week.
• April – Water twice per week for 10 minutes during early morning. Mow the lawn once a week. Mix anti-fungus with a good insecticide like Dursban 4-E in a high pressure sprayer and spray onto grass once during the first week after mowing and watering.
• May – Water twice per week for 15 minutes during early evening. Mow the lawn every 5 days. Mix anti-fungus with a good insecticide like Dursban 4-E in a high pressure sprayer with water as per instructions on packaging and spray onto grass once during the first week and once during the third week after mowing and watering. During the first week, sprinkle fertilizer (granules) that is suitable for grass all over the lawn before watering the lawn.
• June – Water twice per week for 15 minutes during early evening. Mow the lawn every 5 days. Mix anti-fungus with a good insecticide like Dursban 4-E in a high pressure sprayer with water as per instructions on packaging and spray onto grass once a week after mowing and watering. Sprinkle fertilizer (granules) that is suitable for grass all over the lawn before watering the lawn. Do this once every week.
• July – Repeat procedure followed during June.
• August – Repeat procedure followed during June.
• September – Repeat procedure followed during June.
• October – Water twice per week for 10 minutes. Mow regularly.
• November – Water once a week for 10 minutes. Mow regularly.
• December – Water once a week for 10 minutes. Mow regularly.

Make sure to adjust the amount of water according to the amount of rain you might have. During the winter months, before watering the lawn, first check to see if the lawn’s soil is wet or dry. If it is still wet since the last time you watered it, or since it rained, do not water the lawn/grass until the soil has dried. I also found that Kikuyu grass is tolerant and very resilient and therefore can handle hot climates and will do well under relatively shady conditions. If parts of your lawn or grass is covered in shade the whole day and never sees sunlight, it might be best to plant another grass type (that grows well in shaded areas) in conjunction with Kikuyu in those areas.