Watering the Lawn on a Late Summer Day

I'm just out watering my grass. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Late summer can be hard on a lawn, especially after a run of hot days with little rain. I don't get precious about it. If the grass looks stressed and the soil is getting dry, I water.

A long, slow watering is more useful than a quick spray across the top. Get water down into the root zone, then leave it alone for a bit. Early morning is my favorite time when I can manage it. Less water gets lost to evaporation, and I'm not standing outside baking in the afternoon sun.

Watch the grass instead of blindly following a schedule. Folding or curling blades, a dull color, and footprints that stay visible are good clues the lawn is thirsty. Soil type matters too. Sandy soil drains fast. Clay hangs onto water much longer. Stick a finger into the soil and see what's actually happening. Low tech. Works fine.

And check where the hose is spraying. Water running down the driveway isn't helping anything except the water bill. Move slowly, give dry spots a decent soak, and quit when the soil has had enough.

September can still feel a whole lot like summer in the South. Grass doesn't care what the calendar says. I water what needs water and let the rest fend for itself. Chaos gardening applies to the lawn too.