As the UK summer continues to deliver sweltering heat, many gardeners are facing the same distressing sight: once-lush lawns turning into crispy, brown wastelands. But before you resign yourself to a season of barren grass, a surprising and incredibly cheap solution has emerged from gardening experts.
The secret weapon against sun-scorched turf isn't a fancy chemical treatment or an expensive piece of kit—it's a common household item costing mere pence: white rice.
The Rice Water Revival Method
Gardening gurus are advocating for a remarkably simple yet effective technique. Instead of discarding the water used to rinse or boil rice, save this starchy liquid and apply it directly to your struggling lawn.
The magic lies in the nutrient-rich composition of rice water. It acts as a gentle, natural fertiliser, delivering essential carbohydrates and minerals directly to the grass roots. This provides a much-needed energy boost, helping damaged grass recover its strength and vibrant green colour.
Why This Method Works
During heatwaves, grass enters a dormant state to conserve energy, resulting in brown patches. The rice water method works by:
- Providing instant hydration to parched soil and grass roots
- Delivering natural nutrients that commercial fertilisers often contain
- Encouraging microbial activity in the soil, improving overall health
- Acting as a mild pest deterrent due to its sticky consistency
How to Apply Your Lawn Treatment
For optimal results, follow these simple steps:
- Rinse a cup of white rice in a bowl of water, or use water from boiling rice (allow it to cool completely)
- Transfer the starchy water to a watering can or spray bottle
- Apply generously to brown patches in the early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation
- Repeat every 3-4 days until you see improvement
Most gardeners report visible improvement within just a few applications, with some seeing results overnight in milder cases.
Long-Term Lawn Care Strategies
While the rice water method provides quick relief, experts also recommend longer-term strategies for maintaining lawn health during heatwaves:
- Adjust mowing height: Raise your mower blades to leave grass longer, providing more shade for the roots
- Water deeply but infrequently: This encourages deeper root growth rather than frequent shallow watering
- Avoid fertilising in extreme heat: Chemical fertilisers can actually burn stressed grass
This budget-friendly gardening hack is gaining traction across British gardening communities, offering hope to those watching their carefully maintained lawns suffer under the summer sun. With just a handful of rice and a few minutes of effort, you could be on your way to restoring your garden's crowning glory.
