If you ever wondered how iconic Wimbledon lawn Stay so lush and green, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Wimbledon groundskeepers use a wetting agent (Which you can pick up on Amazon for under £20To keep lawns hydrated and fresh, even in hot weather.
Every year, while watching tennis, I can’t help but admire how the Wimbledon flies put on such spectacular displays, whatever the weather. I need them Think lawnAnd I need to know them.
But one thing I do know Wimbledon gardeners use a wetting agentA formula that helps water soak into the soil more efficiently boosts your chances of a healthy, green lawn in hot weather. While the exact wetting agent used by Wimbledon may be top secret, here’s how an expert recommends you use it in your garden.
What is a Wetting Agent?
Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at Wimbledon said The Guardian Last year about the use of wetting agents on base.
‘It sounds like a strange word but it makes the water wet. The surface tension of the water molecule, the root system of the plant, at a certain point, cannot penetrate it because the moisture is reduced, because the surface tension is high. We can adjust it so that the plant roots can actually tap into that water,’ he told the newspaper.
(Image credit: Future plc/Colin Poole)
Neal and his team chose a wetting agent to try to reduce water bills and combat rising temperatures. Given that we’ve experienced record-breaking heat this year, wetting agents could be the key Revitalizing a dry lawn?
A wetting agent is a chemical that lowers the surface tension of water. When applied to the soil, it helps rain and water to penetrate and spread more effectively into the turf,’ explains Jonathan Davies, turf specialist. Lawnsmith.
‘A great example of the surface tension of water is the old party trick where you balance a coin on top of a glass of water. And when you drop a drop of washing up liquid into water, the surface tension breaks down and the coin sinks instantly.
‘Water sometimes seeps out of the soil, especially when the soil is dry and hard. By disrupting the surface tension of water, the wetting agent allows it to filter through the soil immediately, where it is needed most.’
Should you use a wetting agent this summer?
If you are looking for Ways to keep your lawn alive in a heatwaveExperts say a wetting agent may be a good idea.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“During hot summers it is recommended to use a wetting agent on your lawn. This is because it can make watering more efficient and help prevent heat stress. During hot weather, the soil can harden and begin to repel water, causing it to flow instead of sink,” says Richard Barker, horticulturist and commercial director. LBS Horticulture.
‘A wetting agent can help prevent this by allowing water to seep into the soil, and while water can penetrate deep into the soil, it can encourage your lawn to develop deeper roots to help it survive and recover from drought. It’s best to apply a moisturizing agent as a preventative before hot weather, but it can still be used during a heatwave to rejuvenate areas.’
(Image credit: Future plc)
Jonathan points out that recent Ban on hosepipes And the anticipation of warmer weather means it’s a good idea to use a wetting agent this summer. However, he cautions that timing is of the essence.
‘I would recommend using a wetting agent to support your lawn’s hydration before hot weather, to prepare it for dry, summer conditions,’ he says.
‘To get the best from your product, apply it to your turf before watering or rain. Add it to the entire lawn or just to the patch that needs it.
‘If treating only specific dry areas, spread it further than the initial patch to ensure complete coverage.’
Purchase wetting agents
Striking lawns
Premium lawn wetting agent by Striking Lawns®
Reviews say that this agent is easy to use and great in drought conditions.
Miracle-gro
Miracle-Gro Water Storage Gel
Add this water storage gel to pots and hanging baskets. The gel retains water to ensure your plants get what they need.
Garden Lawncare Guy
Liquid wetting agent for lawns and plants – 500ml covers 500m²
This wetting agent covers 500m² and can be used all year round. Say goodbye to brown lawns for good.
Would you try a wetting agent to achieve that luscious Wimbledon lawn? Or do you have different tricks up your sleeve to keep the grass green and hydrated?
