Okay, so how do you know it’s time? Look for these signs: 1) The grass is dry to the touch. 2) It’s grown to about 7-8 cm tall. 3) The soil isn’t squelching when you walk. If you pass all three? Go for it.
But here’s a pro-tip I wish someone had told me: raking first. Before you bring the mower out, gently rake your lawn to lift any dead grass (thatch) or leftover autumn leaves. It lets the mower blades catch the living grass, not the debris. Your mower will thank you (it won’t actually, but you’ll feel better).
And when you do start, collect the clippings. I know, it’s more work, but those first few cuts are often coarse and “winter-grass”. If you mulch them back in, you’re just redistributing thatch. Bag them up. Your lawn will look like a million quid.
The 'Never Too Early' Mistake (A Cautionary Tale)
Let’s take a quick trip to my garden in 2026. I mowed on the 5th of March. Felt like a pioneer. The lawn looked good for about two days. Then a frost hit. The new blades turned yellow, then brown. It looked like a bad toupée until mid-April. Don’t be like me. Frost is the ultimate lawn party pooper.
When to Start Mowing Your Lawn in Spring UK: Timing Tips
So, the real answer? In most UK gardens, mid-March to early April is the sweet spot. But it’s a “when the conditions say go” thing, not a calendar thing. If you’re in the south, you might be earlier. In Scotland? You might be waiting until May.
