Gardeners issued crucial fertiliser warning after UK blasted with heatwave

Gardeners have been warned to let nature take its course when letting lawns recover from a spate of hot weather.

It’s a common mistake for gardeners to feel like the more, the merrier, when it comes to taking care of their outdoor spaces. However, just like humans, can also get overwhelmed, especially when the weather is warm.

UK lawn expert Chris Cooper from had the best answers on how to combat the and ensure that our green spaces remain vibrant and healthy. His number one tip was to let it be.

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When it comes to taking care of the lawn, gardeners might feel that the amount of sunshine and the hot weather is having a negative impact, which to some extent, it is. Nonetheless, it’s important to allow the grass to breathe and naturally take the water from the morning or the day before. Gardeners are advised to keep watering to the early morning and the evening in extreme temperatures to avoid scorching and killing large sections of grass.

He said: “In short, do not over-fertilise your grass, even if it’s started to look a bit dry from the high levels of heat. Using too much fertiliser often does more harm than good.” Chris also implied that using too much fertiliser on the lawn can scorch grass and burn the roots “thanks to a drastically altered pH level in the soil”.

For that reason, it’s best to allow the grass to cut back into the foil as it will ensure that it stays fertilised, preserving all of the natural and necessary nutrients to stay healthy.

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“If we are fortunate enough to get some reprieve from a heatwave spell of rain, this is the ideal time to fertilise your garden to replenish the soil’s lost nutrients,” Chris explained. “While still wet, add organic soil conditioners, rock minerals and then, mulch.”

Another important tip that must be avoided at all costs is to mow the lawn during extremely hot temperatures, as this will affect the growth of the grass. It’s recommended to do so during the early morning hours or in the late evening, when the sunlight is not too strong, and the temperatures are bearable, both for the gardener and the garden itself.

By following these simple instructions and advice from the expert, you can rest assured that your outdoor spaces will remain as vibrant and healthy as ever - not only during this heatwave, but for the upcoming months and upcoming summer seasons.