Author: Adam Fitzhenry Date Posted:31 October 2019
Our grass is more resilient than you might think! Prepare your lawn and gardens for a drought with a few of these tips that also help save water.
We haven’t even reached the height of summer and yet much of Australia has experienced extremely dry weather with some areas toughing out awful drought conditions. Although these dry spells are becoming the norm, it’s not time to admit defeat just yet – especially with our Nature’s Soil Wetter!
Forgoing washing your car might be one thing but withholding water from your lawns and gardens can be another world of pain for some. We’re fairly certain this weather leaves many lawn and garden lovers worrying over the future condition of their yard, because no one enjoys watching a plant or lawn die.
Well we’ve got some good news for you, grass is actually rather resilient, and many types of grass can survive drought periods, particularly if you condition it accordingly!
Now don’t be mistaken by a lawn that looks dry, brown and lifeless, because more often than not, if that lawn has been looked after, it’s most likely dormant, just holding down the fort until the next rainstorm.
To work out whether a lawn is dead or dormant, you will need to take a closer look at the soil level. A dormant lawn will have brown leaves, but the crown at the base of the leaves will remain green and the roots will be a healthy off-white colour. If the lawn is dead, the entire plant, meaning the leaves, crowns and roots, will be brown and brittle. If this is the case, you have the option to either reseed or top dress.
Before the drought
Ideally, carrying out lawn and garden maintenance between 30 and 45 days prior to an expected drought, dry or hot period can have a significant impact on your lawn’s survivability. What you want to try and do is make the lawn as strong and healthy as possible beforehand – think of it the same way as when we increase our vitamin c intake coming into flu season.
These are a few of the simple things we recommend:
For your garden:
Soil wetter to the rescue
A good quality soil wetter or wetting agent will increase the water infiltration and water-holding capacity in your soil, conditioning your gardens and lawns for those dry spells.
Using a quality wetting agent will help break down the waxy, water repellent layer that soil can develop, in turn, this will help your lawns and gardens get the most of any rain or watering by allowing moisture to penetrate the soil effectively.
If you would like to try a quality wetting agent, give our Nature’s Soil Wetter a go! It’s non-toxic and contains no petro-chemicals. Nature’s Soil Wetter is derived from 100% natural complex compounds and will increase the longevity of Nitrogen, stimulants microbes and is suitable to all environmental sensitive areas.
First time owning lawn. Gave the team at plant doctor a ring and they supplied me with a wealth of information. Products turned up quickly.
Will definitely be getting more 8 weeks difference been using stimulizer, activ8mate, soil wetter, seaweed secrets and champion fertiliser. Was super fast delivery.
Only have great things to say about Plant Doctor. Organic products and a competitive price, fast shipping and easy to contact with questions. Have had great results with the special mix for lawns, and my plants (indoor and outdoor) love the seaweed secrets. I am excited to test out some of the animal products soon!