Lawns crave attention all year round, but early spring is probably the primary time to carry out maintenance on your grass. Fertilising is one of the key gardening jobs to be done in early spring to give your lawn the strength it needs to emerge robust and vibrant come summer.

While there are many lawn fertilisers on the market, they do tend to be on the pricey side to use on their own. For those on the hunt for savvy savings, Mary Hunt, founder of Everyday Cheapskate and a guru at frugal living, has shared her wisdom on maintaining a lush lawn without splashing too much cash.

Sharing her insight, she said: “I love a beautiful yard, but I hate spending a lot of money to get it that way, which explains why I am always looking for cheap do-it-yourself ways to kill weeds, grow flowers, and feed lawns.”

The trick up Mary’s sleeve? A sprinkling of Epsom salt mixed with your usual lawn feed. This household bath-time favourite is not just for soaking away stress; it’s packed with protein-building nutrients and can work wonders in promoting robust roots in your yard.

What many don’t realise is that Epsom salt is brimming with magnesium, vital for chlorophyll production, allowing your sward to soak up sunlight efficiently and prep for the winter slumber.

By incorporating Epsom salt into your lawn care routine, your grass can keep up its photosynthesis game, for “growing into a healthier, thicker lawn that’s ready to bounce back” as soon as warmer days return, ensuring a lush carpet of green in summer.

Epsom salt is best used as an additive rather than a substitute for fertiliser, as lawns require ample potassium to endure frost and combat disease.

When selecting a fertiliser, opt for one that’s rich in nitrogen levels as nitrogen encourages grass growth.

After purchasing your fertiliser, simply blend in the Epsom salt and distribute it over your lawn.

Mary advised: “Mix four pounds of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) in a giant bin or bucket with a bag of your favourite lawn food that covers 2,500 square feet. Now feed your lawn the same amount of this mixture as recommended on the lawn food bag.

“You’ll save a lot of money because you’ll be using only half the normal amount of fertiliser. Plus, this formulation cuts down on the nitrogen, which makes your lawn grow so fast.”

Incorporating Epsom salt into your lawn care routine promises a greener, more vibrant, and healthier turf come springtime. Mary concluded: “You’ll have the wonderful deep-green colour, better root structure, and you won’t have to mow as often.”