German gardeners use DIY methods to protect lawns from heat wave

A new heat wave is affecting Germany, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 °C and occasional peaks near 50 °C. The Bavarian Garden Academy warns that intense sun and dry conditions can scorch lawns, wilt fruit and vegetable plants, and cause rapid drying of soil.

Gardeners are advised to check soil moisture before watering, use mulches such as nettles, grass clippings or crop residues, and keep lawn clippings longer to shade the soil. A popular DIY technique involves soaking small pieces of toilet‑paper in water, mixing them with grass seed and planting the moist bundles in bare patches; the paper retains moisture and helps seed germination. Additional measures include applying a light coat of white lime paint to tree trunks, providing shade for potted plants, and avoiding heavy pruning during the hottest days.

These low‑cost, home‑grown solutions aim to mitigate heat‑related damage and keep gardens healthy throughout the prolonged warm period.