Gardening and saving water

Guidelines for the maintenance of sports surfaces during dry / drought conditions.

The following are simple rules of thumb to ensure the best maintenance schedules during particular dry spells and hose pipe bans:

Continue to mow, but not as frequently and when possible increase the height of cut. You need to prevent any weed grasses from growing to the height when they will produce their seeds. The grass will survive better in the long term with careful mowing rather than none at all.

Aeration is a must, this does not have to be deep, but when it does rain the water must be prevented from running off the surface. Also all endeavours must be made to encourage deep root growth.

Any verti-cutting or scarification should stop, as the surface area for the sun to dry will only be increased.

The use of wetting agents will not achieve anything as they only assist when there is moisture in the soil.

No application of chemical or fertiliser should take place during this period as firstly it will not be properly taken up by the plant and scorching of the plant may well occur.

Early morning dew can be brushed down into the soil. This has been reported to us as a successful additional source of watering. The effect is to dampen the soil rather than have the dew evaporate.

Aim to increase the level of shade

Use a growth inhibitor

Re-seed with drought tolerant grasses: see link

Consider a private borehole (currently you can extract 20m3 / day without a licence)

Grey water re-use through collecting any run-off from hardstandings and roofs. this is normally collected throughout the year, stored and then used during periods of low rainfall.

Lagoon storage. If you install a lagoon, consider the accessiblity and health & safety.

 

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