According to the forecast, the heat wave is expected to rise to over 30 degrees, so the green-thumbed Brits are ready to take care of their parched gardens.
While instinct may lead many to smother the lawn in the sun, one gardening green has cautioned against this typical gardening practice.
In order to maintain a lush and green lawn throughout the scorching summer, it is important to understand the ins and outs of efficient watering.
Fortunately, Fiona Jenkins, horticultural expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, is here to provide some important guidance.
Debunking the widely held myth of watering grass in bright sunlight, Fiona assured: “Water droplets don’t act as magnifying glasses, and healthy grass can withstand sunlight even when wet.”
However, Fiona warned that keeping the lawn moist under the blazing sun is not without its pitfalls.
The intensity of daylight combined with heat may accelerate water evaporation, which significantly reduces the moisture absorbed by the roots.
This can lead to a loss of lawn vitality, resulting in stunted growth and a dormant, brittle appearance, warns Green Man Lawn Care.
Additionally, Fiona notes that wind drift is another factor that can compromise your lawn’s water level, explaining: “Wind can easily blow water droplets off your lawn, further reducing the amount of water reaching its intended target,” the Mirror reports.
A gardening guru advises watering the lawn early in the morning, preferably before sunrise due to cooler temperatures.
“Cooler morning temperatures allow for slower evaporation, which ensures that water has more time to soak into the soil and reach the roots,” he noted.
Mornings tend to be less windy than afternoons, which reduces wind drift and ensures that the grass absorbs water efficiently.
He added: “Watering well in the morning allows the grass blades to dry throughout the day, preventing moisture build-up that can promote fungal diseases in the evening.”
