It's been a tough summer for plants. First came the heatwaves, now the UK is experiencing a prolonged dry spell. Wales has just become the first nation in the UK to officially declare drought status, while hosepipe bans are in place in large parts of the country.
The current situation will be particularly disheartening for homeowners who have spent time and effort nurturing their lawn over the past few months. As grass blades now turn from lush green to a much less attractive shade of brown, many will be wondering what they can do to protect all their hard work.
Some experts advise simply letting nature take its course. In a recent Instagram reel, RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardener Matthew Wilson advised followers to not "bother watering your lawn." He added: "Your lawn will go brown – it's fine. Ours goes brown every year; it will come back and be green again next year."
That said, you don't have to accept defeat just yet. David Wilson Homes has partnered with gardening expert Lucie Bradley from Easy Garden Irrigation to share three things you can do to keep your lawn hydrated until the next rainfall.
1. Reuse grey water
Instead of a hosepipe, you can collect and reuse household water – also known as 'grey water' – to hydrate your lawn. This could include water from the bathroom or kitchen sink and shower or bath, provided it is free from harsh chemicals or pollutants.
Tip: Water butts are especially useful during dry periods, allowing you to make the most of rainwater collected over time.
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2. Water early in the day
Timing makes a big difference in how well your lawn responds to watering. Hydrate it in the early morning, between 6am and 10am, as this is typically the coolest time of day, to reduce the risk of evaporating in the heat of the day.
Make sure your lawn has time to dry before nightfall, as leaving it damp overnight can make it more susceptible to disease, the experts warn.
3. Mulch with grass clippings
Finally, one of the easiest ways to keep your lawn hydrated throughout the day is to simply leave grass clippings after mowing. This helps recycle the nutrients back into the soil while acting as a natural mulch, slowing evaporation and improving the soil's ability to retain moisture.
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Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
