Although it may be tempting in spring to beautify the garden, an unmowed lawn is ecologically valuable and serves the insects.
You may already know "Veganuary" or "Movember", but "No Mow May"? While the first two terms are aimed at eating habits or beard growth, the term "No Mow May" means something like "Do not mow the lawn in May". But what exactly is behind the campaign?
Better not to mow the lawn in May: "No Mow May"
A perfectly mowed lawn harms insects. (Symbolic image) © NagyDodo/Imago
Regular lawn mowing is considered essential among gardeners. After all, short stalks not only look beautiful, but also provide branched growth and a closed lawn. A counter-movement from the USA and England called "No Mow Monday" has exactly the opposite goal: lawns, meadows and gardens should be trimmed as little as possible. With the "Mowing-Free May", the German Horticultural Society 1822 ("DGG 1822") has officially proclaimed a German counterpart this year. Here's why you shouldn't touch your lawn mower throughout May:
- According to the DGG 1822, May forms the bridge to summertime, when the grass begins to sprout and the mowing season is traditionally heralded at the latest.
- The lawn makes up 50 percent or more of the area in most gardens, but does not provide ecological diversity, according to DGG 1822.
- However, with as many wild flowers as possible and supposed weeds such as dandelions, you attract insects that are dependent on food, especially in spring.
- Many animals, such as the ladybird, also hibernate in perennials, grasses and lawns. The later you touch them after winter, the better.
The most controversial are electronic robotic lawnmowers, which do not stop at exotic plants or small animals such as hedgehogs or birds.
The German Horticultural Society combines the mowing-free May with a great campaign: Those who send in their most species-rich meadow pictures will receive a seed packet with a variety of native wildflower mixtures from the nationwide project "Thousands of Gardens - Thousands of Species" as a thank you.
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Sustainable alternatives to mowing
You can also fight unpleasant plants without a lawnmower and naturally with eggshells. And remember: With just a few square meters of wild meadow, you can help insects. If you don't have a garden, you can simply plant insect-friendly plants such as poppies, lavender or St. John's wort on your balcony.