GARDENERS have been told not to mow their lawns this weekend as hosepipe bans are put in place across the UK.
It’s not just to save water either as the bans have left gardeners worried about their parched, patchy lawns.
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Scorching temperatures and a hosepipe ban has left many gardeners worried about the state of their lawnCredit: Getty
After the warmest ever June and driest spring for 132 years, temperatures are creeping up yet again.
The first hosepipe ban from Yorkshire Water came into place today – and it’s highly likely more will follow.
This has left many gardeners worried about the keeping their lawns in tip-top shape.
Especially as breaking the rules could land you with a whopping £1,000 fine.
Expert help
Fortunately, expert gardener Luke Newnes is on hand to help.
Luke is a new build gardening specialist, gardening content creator and a member of the Interior Squad at Hillarys.
He’s shared his top tips to help your grass survive – and even thrive – through the heatwave, all while keeping water use to a minimum.
“Heatwaves can be tough on lawns, especially with hosepipe bans in place,” he said.
“But with a few smart strategies, you can give your grass the best chance to bounce back when the rain returns.”
Top tips for lawn survival in a heat wave
Mow high, stay cool: Set your mower blades higher than usual.
‘I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do’
Longer grass shades the soil, keeping your roots cooler and reduces water loss too.
Water wisely—if allowed: If you’re permitted to use a watering can, make sure to use it early in the morning or late evening to minimise evaporation.
Focus on the base of the grass, not the blades.
Collect every drop: Place a bucket in the shower to collect water or reuse cooled cooking water for your plants.
Every little helps and your garden won’t mind if it’s not from a watering can.
Mulch with clippings: Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing.
This acts as a natural mulch, locking in precious moisture and protecting the soil from the sun’s harsh rays.
Pause the feed: Hold off on fertilisers during the extreme heat.
Fertilisers can stress your grass and increase its thirst.
Aerate for relief: Gently spike your lawn with a fork to help any rainfall or hand-watering reach your roots more effectively.
July gardening jobs
The Sun’s Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to tackle this July in your garden.
1. Prune Wisteria
You should only prune back Wisteria twice a year – and July – or mid summer – is one of those times. After flowering cut back long side shoots to around seven buds.five or six leaves.
2. Pinch out tomatoes
Your tomatoes should be really picking up – so pinch out all the side shoots without flowers – and remove all the leaves that are shading the tomatoes – this will give them maximum light and energy.
3. Keep weeding
Hand weeding and hoeing the surface of the soil will keep your weeds under check.
4. Feed Dahlias
To keep Dahlias flowering until Autumn, you must keep feeding them weekly with a liquid fertliser high in potassium – which encourages blooms.
5. Keep deadheading plants
Keep up with deadheading your bedding plants and perennials – so they keep coming back for the season. With roses make sure you’re deadheading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of them flowering again.
6. Check on your pond
If you’re lucky enough to have a pond – make sure it’s clear of algae, which can really bloom when the sun beats down.
7. Feed your lawn
Whether that’s with a liquid feed or granules. If you’ve chosen granules try to get them down before the rain comes, so they soak into the soil.
8. Tend to strawberry plants
Cut the leaves off strawberry plants after you’ve picked them – leaving the crown untouched – which should help with next years fruit.
9. Sow extra seeds
July weather is a great time to sow seeds as the warm soil and sunshine is great for germination. Try carrots, winter broccoli and other brassicas.
10. Move young plants into soil
Get any young plants you’ve got left in the greenhouse – like courgettes – into the soil.
Reduce traffic: Try to keep off the grass as much as possible.
Foot traffic during a heatwave can compact the soil and damage already stressed grass.
Don’t panic if it browns: Luke has reassured gardeners that it’s normal for lawns to go brown after a heatwave.
He said: “Grass is incredibly resilient and will recover with cooler weather and rain.
“This summer, it’s all about working with nature.
“With a little patience and the right care, your lawn will survive the heatwave and come back greener than ever.”
If you’re looking for more tips to look after your garden during the scorching weather, Sun Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine has some top tips to beat the ban.
From “grey” water to clever planting, we’ve got you covered when it comes keeping your garden looking fresh.