June 21, 2022, 2:13 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A dense and green lawn requires a lot of care. This can be quite frustrating for some hobby gardeners, as it’s easy to make mistakes, especially with watering. However, hobby gardeners can easily determine when to water the lawn and when not to.
A lush green lawn needs plenty of water. However, too much is not good either, as the blades struggle with waterlogging. This can lead to root rot and the death of the plants, ruining the lawn. It’s all about finding the right balance–not too much and not too little water. A simple trick can help determine if the lawn is sufficiently watered.
Overview
Is the Lawn Sufficiently Watered? A Simple Trick Helps
Before hobby gardeners water their lawn, they simply place a few empty glasses on it. Jam jars or similar-sized containers work best. Then, they water the grass as usual. Once the water in the glasses reaches two centimeters high, the lawn has been sufficiently watered.
To avoid setting up the glasses in the future, hobby gardeners can also use a stopwatch while watering. This way, they have a time frame for the next time, knowing their lawn has received enough water.
Also interesting: 8 Care Tips for a Perfect Lawn
No Glasses on Hand? No Problem
If the glass trick can’t be implemented, there’s another way to find out if the lawn has been sufficiently watered. A strong knife can be used to take a soil sample about ten centimeters deep. A well-watered lawn is relatively dry in the first two centimeters, while the layers below should be moist.
Rule of Thumb for Proper Lawn Watering
Otherwise, hobby gardeners can follow this rule of thumb for lawn watering: Loose sandy soils need ten to 15 liters per square meter every three to four days, while clayey to loamy soils can handle 15 to 20 liters of water once a week.
More on this: How to Water the Lawn Properly in Heat–and How Not to
Best Tips for Fighting Weeds in Your Lawn
Best Tips for Fighting Weeds in Your Lawn
How to Recognize an Overwatered Lawn
Not only the glass trick or the soil sample can show that a lawn has been overwatered. If the lawn smells unpleasant or even turns grayish to bluish, this is also a sign of too much water in the soil. It causes the roots to rot, which in turn causes the bad smell and changes the appearance of the grass.
Saving Water When Watering the Lawn
In summer, plants in the garden need water–including the lawn. If the blades are not watered sufficiently, they dry out, turn brown, and unsightly patches appear on the lawn. To protect the lawn from the sun and save water, shade can be used. For example, a large tree in the right spot in the garden can already provide extensive protection for the lawn.
Those who want to save water but don’t want to give up the sun in the garden can opt for the following lawn alternatives. Carpet verbena has long roots and can withstand dry periods without problems. The plant is an ideal replacement for the lawn. An additional advantage is the flowers it bears from June to August. Microclover is also suitable as a lawn alternative. It grows densely, supplies the soil with valuable nitrogen, and doesn’t need to be watered often. And dry grass is a special lawn mix that requires less water.