Rotivator wanted

[B&G]

I'm (finally) getting round to putting down a new lawn, but the ground is compacted and needs breaking up before I can begin.

Does anyone have a rotivator I can borrow for one day in March? Probably a Saturday / Sunday?

Very happy to collect and return to your door with a bottle of wine for your trouble!

Thanks in advance.

[Green Goose]

Not the best time of the year for rotovating, I'm afraid.

With all the clay in the soil in London, it is best to dig over ( double dig) compacted ground in November. This way you bury the grass/turf and return the organic material to the soil. Then winter frosts break down the clods and the soil gets aerated.

Because it will soon be Spring, and the soil is already soft and relatively wet, the most appropriate thing to do is to use a garden fork and penetrate the soil to a depth of around 5 to 6 inches. Even better, invest in a hollow tine aerator. I have tried several types of aerator and by far the best is the 3 tine model shown here...

http://steelmaster.co.uk/Store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=94_95&products_id=287

Not cheap, but worth every single penny.

A good lawn is hard work and costs money ( eg adding compost & fertiliser etc.) but it is worth it. But is a source of pride and satisfaction when its done right.

GG

[B&G]

Hi Green Goose.

Thanks for your post.

A fork would usually be my first choice, but I'm heavily pregnant and anything to take the back breaking work out of the preparation is required!

I will follow your advice and invest in an aerator.

Thanks again

BG

[jenny pink]

Hiya,

I've got an aerator...it's a 5(hollow) prong one,like a fork....you could borrow....

Nunhead border...sadly no camera....

[Green Goose]

Sorry to knock your 5 tine aerator but these are really hard work to get in to a useful depth. A three prong is less strenuous and the brand I identified is really durable. This is used by many professional golf course greensmen and made in Carnoustie - home of the famous golf course.

[jenny pink]

Green Goose......your top link leads to a 2010-2011 price list header,(no link)

[Green Goose]

Try this link........

http://steelmaster.co.uk/Store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=94_95&products_id=287