Drought proofing your lawn: What to do when the rain won't come

Made from Ascophyllum nodosum, Seaweed Secrets is a natural biostimulant loaded with plant growth hormones (cytokinins, auxins), trace elements, and anti-stress compounds like betaines and mannitol. Here's why it's especially useful during drought:

• Reduces water stress by stimulating root growth, helping your lawn access deeper moisture layers

• Improves resilience by enhancing photosynthesis and strengthening cell walls

• Supports microbial life in the soil, improving water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability

• Encourages recovery after heat or drought stress

Apply Seaweed Secrets every 2–4 weeks during dry periods. It's safe for all turf types and even helps buffer against salt and chemical stress.

Iron is essential for chlorophyll production and turf colour, especially in alkaline soils where iron becomes unavailable to plants. During drought:

• Iron enhances lawn colour without pushing top growth

• Prevents and corrects iron chlorosis in sandy, alkaline, or compacted soils

• Boosts visual appeal without demanding additional water

Chelated forms of iron (like EDTA or DTPA) remain stable in various pH conditions and are more readily absorbed. Liquid iron should be applied every 3–4 weeks for consistent results. Always follow label rates to avoid over-application, which may cause temporary leaf scorch.

Champion is a premium NPK granular fertiliser formulated for long-lasting results. Unlike quick-release formulas, it:

• Releases nutrients gradually, feeding the lawn for up to 3 months

• Strengthens root systems with phosphorus and potassium

• Avoids burning or overfeeding, especially critical in hot, dry weather

• Improves turf density, helping shade the soil and reduce evaporation

Apply Champion in late autumn or early spring to support foundational root growth before extreme summer heat arrives. A well-fed lawn is better able to tolerate stress.

Stimulizer is a super-concentrated bio-stimulant and natural chelating agent, rich in fulvic and humic acids, over 75 trace minerals, and plant hormones. In a drought context, it offers multiple benefits:

• Enhances root development, allowing turf to reach deeper water sources

• Boosts microbial activity, improving soil structure and nutrient cycling

• Increases nitrogen retention, especially when combined with nitrogen fertilisers like urea, ammonium nitrate, and potassium nitrate

• Buffers soil pH, helping roots access more nutrients

Use Stimulizer monthly, ideally alongside Seaweed Secrets, to build a synergistic, soil-first lawn care system.

1. Raise your mower height: Longer blades of grass create shade and reduce soil moisture loss. Aim for a height of 5–7 cm, depending on your turf variety.

2. Mow less frequently: Letting grass grow longer reduces the frequency of cutting, minimising stress and water demand.

3. Sharpen mower blades: A clean cut heals faster and loses less moisture compared to ragged, torn edges.

4. Leave the clippings: Mulched clippings return nutrients to the soil and act as a protective layer against evaporation.

1. Water deeply but infrequently: One or two deep waterings per week (if permitted) encourage deep roots, which are more drought-resistant.

2. Time it right: Early morning (before 9 am) is best to minimise evaporation and fungal risks.

3. Use a soil wetter if necessary: If water pools or runs off, your soil may be hydrophobic. Apply a soil wetter like Nature’s Soil Wetter monthly to improve water infiltration.

4. Monitor rainfall and adjust accordingly: Use a rain gauge or smart irrigation system to avoid over- or under-watering.

• Apply Seaweed Secrets

• Apply Iron (Liquid or Chelated)

• Apply Stimulizer

• Apply Nature’s Soil Wetter (especially in sandy or compacted areas)

• Apply Champion Fertiliser (Autumn & Early Spring)

• Mow high and less often

• Water deeply and early

• Aerate if compacted

• Top dress with compost once a year