| What can I do at home -- besides using water -- to help feed and care for my lawn this summer? Also, what are best ways to utilize rain water (any ideas outside of rain barrels)? |
| If you choose not to collect rain water in barrels or cisterns you can try diverting the water from the downspouts with metal or plastic pads and/or hoses, to help it reach more of your landscape than it would normally reach if it came directly out of the downspouts. Your garden center should have a variety of products for this purpose. A lawn going through a drought is stressed. A drought is one of those times when it's best to just not do anything to your lawn. Mow as little as possible. Mow the grass high, 3-4 inches, or the highest setting on the mower. The added leaf blade tissue aids in storing water and photosynthesis. Don't fertilize, don't aerate, de-thatch, or topdress. Do not do anything to bring added stress to the plant, including aggressive lawn activities and foot traffic. The good news is, that when rain arrives and the weather cools your lawn will green up again. |
