VO : UF/IFAS TURFGRASS SPECIALIST, LAURIE TRENHOLM FEELS LESS FREQUENT WATERING WILL TOUGHEN-UP YOUR LAWN TO HELP IT WITHSTAND DRY CONDITIONS. THE BEST TIME TO WATER IS WHEN YOUR LAWN TELLS YOU IT'S THIRSTY. THIS OCCURS WHEN LEAF BLADES ARE FOLDED IN HALF OR FOOT PRINTS REMAIN ON THE GRASS AFTER BEING MADE. WHEN HOMEOWNERS DO WATER, THEY SHOULD APPLY THREE-QUARTERS OF AN INCH OF WATER TO EACH AREA. YOU CAN EASILY DETERMINE HOW LONG THIS TAKES FOR YOUR SPRINKLERS BY SETTING UP CUPS OR CANS AROUND YOUR LAWN WHEN YOU WATER. TURFGRASS SPECIALISTS SUGGEST HOMEOWNERS SHOULD ALSO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER THEY USE. BUT MINERALS LIKE POTASSIUM COULD BE APPLIED TO HELP YOUR LAWN HANDLE ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES SUCH AS DROUGHT.

SOT: Trenholm: "Potassium does this by regulation the cells that control the flow of water out of the plant, this happens on a daily basis, but with the addition of potassium, you can help to conserve some of the water so it is actually remaining inside the plant. This can therefore reduce the overall water requirement. " (:18)