The Gardeners Almanac

The place to find out what to do in the garden this week
My Back Garden

Watering Lawns


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Week Numbers

Watering Overview

Water Application

Watering Baskets & Planters

Water Conservation

Watering Frequency

Watering Fruit & Vegetables

Watering Greenhouse

Watering Trees & Shrubs

Water Types

Overview:

How often does a Lawn need watering?

This will depend on a number of things, for example: temperature, rainfall and soil type.

The aim should be to water routinely, and that each time it is done, it is watered thoroughly for long periods rather than watering for short periods at frequent intervals.


View of my Lawn & Garden

My Lawn

In order for a Lawn to thrive the grass needs to have a healthy root system.

Water penetration is a major factor in keeping a lawn healthy.

Deep water penetration will encourage a deep healthy root system.

A lawn with a shallow weak root system is at greater risk to stress caused by drought, pests or disease.

A healthy lawn can survive a period of drought and will soon turn green again when rain arrives.


When to water:

If is important to keep grass green give it a good soaking once a week.

Firstly, ensure that there is no hose bans in operation.

In the event of a hose ban use grey water that is: water saved from washing up or after having a bath.


Oscillating Sprinkler

View of a spinning type of Sprinkler

Spinning Sprinkler
Water Conservation:

Water the lawn in the early morning as this is when least evaporation will occur.

Failing that, water in the the early evening, this will result in the lawn being wet overnight.

If using a sprinkler ensure the pressure and direction of the sprinkler is optimised so that water is not being wasted on neighbouring patios, paths, shrub and flowerbeds etc.


Lawn Maintenance:

Good lawn maintenance can often reduce the frequency of watering.

Reduce any thatch that has built up in the lawn.

Thatch can will absorb water that was meant for the lawns grass roots as well as preventing the water from reaching the soil surface.

Too much thatch can cause the water to sit on top of the thatch and evaporate off, meaning,the water did not reach the grass roots.


Similarly on sloping surfaces the water is more likely to run off the lawn.

Aim to make remove the thatch on a regular basis, particularly in early spring or late summer before potential drought conditions set in.


In dry periods mow frequently but keep the mower blades at their highest setting.

Close cropping can stress the lawn in periods of drought, whereas long growth will trap any dew.


New Lawns:

A lawn of newly sown grass seed or newly laid turf will need regular watering in dry weather.