You know what I especially like about this time of year? Lawns! The grass is in its prime right now, and all you can do is stand in front of each yard and admire it.
But every lawn owner knows that reaching this point doesn’t happen overnight. And the biggest challenge is learning exactly when and for how long to water a lawn.
Once you figure out that part, things get way easier. Well, today is your lucky day because I’m about to tell you everything you need to know about lawn watering!
Eager to learn? Don’t worry, I’ll dive straight in and teach you how to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood!
The Golden Rule Of Watering A Lawn!
I’ve been a proud lawn owner for over 10 years and I have to admit it took me a while to get to grips with all the requirements.
And when it comes to watering, I follow the famous rule: 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week (and this includes rainfall)!
That would be watering for about 20-30 minutes approximately 2-3 times a week.
I live in Florida and grow warm-season grasses, and I learned they don’t need more than an inch of water per week.
On the other hand, if you live in Minnesota or other lower zones and grow cool-season grasses, it would be better to stick to the 1.5-inch rule.
How To Know Exactly How Much Water You Or Your Sprinkler System Delivers
I know how confusing it can be when discussing watering and measuring in inches. Luckily, a few techniques can help you get the hang of it.
One of the oldest (and for me, the best, ways) to measure the amount of water you give your lawn is to use a washed-out food can.
Simply put it on the lawn when watering or when your sprinkler is on. Start a stopwatch and check the water level approximately every 15 minutes.
Once the water level reaches 1 – 1.5 inches, stop recording.
I know that these old-school methods may sound confusing and not completely accurate to beginner growers. Luckily, we have tech devices that can help us with precise measuring.
The moisture meter is a game-changing device and one of the best investments a gardener can make.
I got a new one last year at Home Depot for about $15 and I use it for checking soil moisture for all my prized green buddies.
Don’t Be Afraid To Make Adjustments!
Nothing is black and white in gardening and lawn watering isn’t an exception. Blindly following the rules won’t give us the best results every time.
That’s why we have to make certain adjustments on the road. For instance, if you live in hot climates, you’ll need to water more frequently and vice versa.
Monitoring your lawn and checking its moisture regularly will help you figure out when exactly to water it.
You should also monitor the overall health of your grass. Any discoloration or bare spots can indicate watering issues.
And This Is What Happens If You Water For Too Long
Mistakes happen but don’t worry, my fellow lawn owner. With the right knowledge, you can pull this out.
We all want the best for our lawns so we water a lot because that’s what plants need, right? Unfortunately, we can end up with overwatered grass, lawn diseases, and excessive weed growth.
Yes, we should be careful not to overwater but we also need to pay attention to how much water we use. The more the merrier isn’t something we follow in gardening.
A thick, green, and lush lawn is everyone’s dream, and with the right watering technique, it’s possible!
Simply follow our top-notch tips and enjoy watching your lawn transform into a spectacular oasis of natural beauty and comfort right outside your door!