In the garden this week: Lawns and parsley

Prep that lawn Lawn grasses do well in our climate because they love cool and damp conditions, so it makes no sense to sow them now. Do, however, start getting ground perfectly prepared for optimum autumn sowing time. Successful lawns are built on good preparation, so dig over, painstakingly removing all perennial weeds and adding organic matter, plus grit, if drainage is bad. Dig and rake the surface to a deep, fine and even tilth, perfect for grass roots to sink down into. Sow parsley now Your parsley plants may still look healthy but are not long-lived and are likely to need replacing soon. If you want leaves throughout autumn and winter, it is best to sow a new batch, and this is your last chance if you want to have plants big enough to make it through winter. Parsley seed is notoriously slow to germinate and time is of the essence, so first soak the seeds for 24 hours to speed things up. Place plants in cold frames or under cloches for the best leaves.