While some lawncare products have evolved beyond recognition in recent years, gardeners are still being advised to kill moss with sulphate of iron, the active ingredient in lawn sand, before removing dead moss by scarifying or hand raking.
In an era when consumers are demanding easy and chemical-free gardening solutions, the process is not necessary.
Sulphate of iron turns moss black, which can make lawns look unsightly, and can also damage border plants and stain patios and garden furniture if not handled with care.
MO Bacter organic lawn fertiliser from Vivano, distributed in the UK by DJ Turfcare, is a slow-release feed that digests moss without the need to scarify a lawn. Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, it can be applied between March and October.
Its formulation offers five key benefits for the home gardener:
- It leaves no mess or staining
- Moss doesn’t need to be raked
- It’s safe for use in gardens where children and pets are present.
- Active bacteria transform dead moss into feed
- A slow-release fertiliser keeps the lawn nourished for up to 100 days.
DJ Turfcare’s David Jenkins says: “MO Bacter contains special bacteria found naturally in the soil which digests unsightly moss and turns it into healthy plant food. This eliminates the need to rake dead moss from lawns – a labour-intensive chore that many gardeners despise, whilst also removing the need for gardeners needing to dispose of a large amount of debris. And for added peace of mind, MO Bacter will not stain surfaces or furniture in the garden.”
David says there is a disparity between what consumers are told and the type of product innovation currently offered. “Traditional expert advice has been to apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser in spring which makes lawns grow rapidly. While this creates a good show in the short term, it leads to more mowing. Because the lawn’s energy is focused on leaf production, it weakens the root. However, MO Bacter is a balanced fertiliser which feeds the roots first, leading to a healthy grass plant that has the strength to compete with further invasions of moss. The long-term result is a healthy lawn.”
With MO Bacter a proven seller, it presents an ideal opportunity for retailers to expand their lawncare offering, to cater for consumers who are increasingly demanding effective chemical-free solutions. It’s a stand-out product that offers garden centres the potential to drive sales growth in the lawncare category, while demonstrating a trustworthy alternative to traditional chemical-based lawn feed and moss control products.
MO Bacter is part of the Viano family of premium quality organic fertilisers that improve soil structure by increasing organic matter and stimulating soil organisms. Unlike chemical-based products, organic fertilisers don’t dissolve quickly but are broken down by micro-organisms in the soil, resulting in better plant growth and development with no leaching. Crucially, Viano organic feeds won’t burn the grass plants if not watered in.
Information: visit www.djturfcare.co.uk or call 01483 200976.
DJ Turfcare will be attending Glee (14-16 September 2021, NEC Birmingham).
