Temperatures are set to soar this weekend, which presents a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, but also means that even the most well-maintained gardens could be turning patchy and brown. However, before you give up hope and let the grass go dormant, you can try a few key changes to your watering habits that could help keep it green and vibrant as ever.
According to experts, lush lawns are still achievable even during a heatwave if you adopt the right approach. Rather than relying on constant hosepipe use or panicking when the blades start to curl, UK homeowners are being given advice on how to maintain their gardens sustainably and effectively. David Wilson Homes has teamed up with gardening expert Lucie Bradley to launch a seasonal lawn care guide designed for tough summer conditions.
The guide includes three simple watering strategies that can help keep your grass green no matter how high the mercury climbs.
Lucie’s first tip is to rethink where your water comes from, as grey water includes runoff from sinks, baths, and showers, as long as it’s free from harsh chemicals.
“Rather than using a hosepipe, which wastes large amounts of water, household water, known as grey water, can be collected and used instead,” she said.
And for gardeners wanting to go a step further, installing a water butt is another excellent way to collect rainwater at zero cost.
Timing also plays a key role in keeping lawns hydrated while making sure to avoid the common mistake of leaving the grass wet overnight, as it increases the risk of disease.
“The best time of day to water a lawn is during the early morning between 6am and 10am,” Lucie explained. “This is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate.”
The final tip is one that often surprises even experienced gardeners: leave your clippings on the lawn.
Known as mulching, this technique can help lock in soil moisture while returning nutrients to the ground.
Lucie said: “Not only does this help recycle the nutrients back into the soil, but it also helps the soil to better retain its moisture by slowing down dryness caused by evaporation.”
And if the temperature hits extreme highs, you may need to put the mower away entirely.
The expert added: “During these periods, grass plants are under a lot of stress and may not recover from mowing. Instead, wait until the temperatures cool down and at least 24 hours after rainfall or watering.”