my lawn is looking really terrible becuase i have never really done anything but mow it for the last 10 years. i decided to try and get it looking presentable this year but don't know where to start. i'm not sure when to do what and in what order.

i think it needs spiking? there is no weeds but plenty of moss. i am not trying to make a perfect bowling green but somewhere for the kids to plays and we can have a bbq in the summer.

Hi virtual gardener, it can be confusing knowing what to do 1st. If you have moss it’s likely that your lawn is either shady or compact so it’s worth spending some time and effort now to improve the growing conditions. Spring and Autumn are the best times.

So start off by aerating (spiking) the lawn to improve drainage and increase air-flow to the grass roots. Next topdress (applying a thin layer of special soil, this will stop the spike holes closing up and will thicken the grass roots on the surface … you can also level out any dips and hollows in your lawn.

Next we’d recommend using a lawn fertiliser that contains a mosskiller. 2 weeks later the moss will turn brown/black and can be raked out by scarifying (this is basically raking away dead moss and grass thatch).

6 weeks after this lawn treatment you should find less moss and healthier grass, if there’s any bare patches of soil you can apply grass seed. If your whole lawn needs rejuvenating then over-seed (this is grass seeding on an existing lawn) the whole area.

For more information on lawn care call 0870 350 1010 or click http://www.lovethegarden.com/contact/ and request one of our guides to a better lawn … this is a really useful booklet that explains all aspects of lawn care in an easy to understand way.

Achieving a great looking lawn doesn't have to be difficult if you're using the right products.