With a heatwave expected within the next couple of weeks, it’s time to start preparing your garden for the coming hot weather. One thing that often comes alongside days of hot weather and a lack of rain is the dreaded hosepipe ban. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to leave your plants to die.
David Wilson Homes has teamed up with gardening expert Lucie Bradley to share some tips for caring for your lawn during a heatwave. She has shared some practical and sustainable tips that will keep your lawn looking green and fresh all summer long.
1. Use grey water
Their first tip is to use grey water to water your lawn and any plants growing in your garden. This is the name of the water that has been used elsewhere in the home first.
Examples of this include bathroom sink and shower water, kitchen sink water, and leftover bathtub water, provided that these are all free from harsh chemicals or pollutants.
Another great way to sustainably water a lawn is to use a water butt to collect and store rainwater that can be used free of charge within the garden.
2. Water early in the day
Their next piece of advice is to ensure you are watering early in the day, ideally between 6 am and 10 am, as this is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate.
You should also avoid watering late in the evening, as leaving your lawn damp overnight can make it more susceptible to disease.
3. Mulch
They also suggest mulching as a way to keep your lawn hydrated during the summer. Simply leave some grass clippings on the lawn after mowing.
This helps recycle the nutrients back into the soil, and it also helps the soil retain its moisture by slowing down any dryness that comes with evaporation.
However, this last method should be done before any scorching temperatures arrive, as you should never mow the lawn in a heatwave.
Lucie explains: “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 for at least 24 hours after rainfall or watering.”
