Mowing hack gardeners swear by keeps grass lush & green in hot weather – it stops weeds growing & means less watering
WITH a possible hosepipe ban on the horizon, gardeners will be concerned for their grass.
Luckily, gardening expert Lucie Bradley has some practical, sustainable tips to share including something to consider when you next mow your lawn.
2
1. Reuse grey water
Did you know the average amount of water used to water a garden in the UK is approximately 135 litres?
Of course, this can depend on the size of a garden, watering method (hosepipe, watering can, sprinkler) and how often.
And a hosepipe can use up to 1,000 litres per hour.
When a Temporary Usage Ban, or hosepipe ban is put in place by a water company, customers are not allowed to use hoses for watering flowers, washing cars, or for water fights.
So instead of a hosepipe wastes large amounts of water to water your lawn and keep it lush and green, Lucie recommends using household water.
Household water is also known as grey water, and can be collected and used instead.
Examples of this include bathroom sink and shower water, kitchen sink water, and leftover bathtub water, providing these are all free from harsh chemicals or pollutants.
You can also use the water from boiling vegetables - just make sure it has completely cooled down before dousing your plants in it, otherwise you'll scorch them!
Another great way to sustainably water a lawn is by using a water butt to collect and store rainwater that can be used within the garden at no cost.
Alan Titchmarsh's 'easiest' tip will fix bald patches on your lawn in two minutes flat this spring & no it's not seeding
2. Water early in the day
The best time of day to water a lawn is during the early morning between 6am and 10am as this is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate.
Make sure your lawn is dry before nightfall however, as leaving your lawn damp overnight will make it more susceptible to disease.
3. Mulch with clippings
Another great way to help keep a lawn hydrated throughout the hotter summer months is to leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing – known as mulch.
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.
Anyone concerned as to how long the clippings stay sitting on the lawn, they decompose and break down quite quickly.
That's because when grass is cut with a mulching mower or regular mower with a sharp blade, the clippings are usually small enough to filter down into the grass and decompose, typically within a few weeks.
This process also acts as a natural fertiliser.
The clippings can also stop weeds from growing as they block the sunlight and prevent weed seeds from germinating.
This practice, also known as "grasscycling," is an effective and environmentally friendly method for managing weeds.
June gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
When to mow your lawn in summer
When it comes to mowing your lawn, Lucie, who teamed up with David Wilson Homes to share her tips said mowing frequency should be increased to "once a week as this is the peak period of grass growth".
She added: "However, in a drought or heatwave, you should never cut your grass.
"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."
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WITH a possible hosepipe ban on the horizon, gardeners will be concerned for their grass. Luckily, gardening expert Lucie Bradley has some practical, sustainable tips to share including something to consider when you next mow your lawn. 2 1. Reuse grey water Did you know the average amount of water used to water a garden in the UK is approximately 135 litres? Of course, this can depend on the size of a garden, watering method (hosepipe, watering can, sprinkler) and how often. And a hosepipe can use up to 1,000 litres per hour. When a Temporary Usage Ban, or hosepipe ban is put in place by a water company, customers are not allowed to use hoses for watering flowers, washing cars, or for water fights. So instead of a hosepipe wastes large amounts of water to water your lawn and keep it lush and green, Lucie recommends using household water. Household water is also known as grey water, and can be collected and used instead. Examples of this include bathroom sink and shower water, kitchen sink water, and leftover bathtub water, providing these are all free from harsh chemicals or pollutants. You can also use the water from boiling vegetables - just make sure it has completely cooled down before dousing your plants in it, otherwise you'll scorch them! Another great way to sustainably water a lawn is by using a water butt to collect and store rainwater that can be used within the garden at no cost. Alan Titchmarsh's 'easiest' tip will fix bald patches on your lawn in two minutes flat this spring & no it's not seeding 2. Water early in the day The best time of day to water a lawn is during the early morning between 6am and 10am as this is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate. Make sure your lawn is dry before nightfall however, as leaving your lawn damp overnight will make it more susceptible to disease. 3. Mulch with clippings Another great way to help keep a lawn hydrated throughout the hotter summer months is to leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing – known as mulch. 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. Anyone concerned as to how long the clippings stay sitting on the lawn, they decompose and break down quite quickly. That's because when grass is cut with a mulching mower or regular mower with a sharp blade, the clippings are usually small enough to filter down into the grass and decompose, typically within a few weeks. This process also acts as a natural fertiliser. The clippings can also stop weeds from growing as they block the sunlight and prevent weed seeds from germinating. This practice, also known as "grasscycling," is an effective and environmentally friendly method for managing weeds. June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. When to mow your lawn in summer When it comes to mowing your lawn, Lucie, who teamed up with David Wilson Homes to share her tips said mowing frequency should be increased to "once a week as this is the peak period of grass growth". She added: "However, in a drought or heatwave, you should never cut your grass. "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." 2
