We feel for you on the rain situation down here. We are in a moderate drought period. This ranking of the drought is based on lake levels which serve as water sources. We need rain.
I followed your link, but didn`t find what I thiought I would. I thought I would find a story about Jerry Baker
America`s Master Gardner and PBS guest. I don`t know who Tim Heffron is, but it would appear that he is laying claim to the invention of the lawn tonic recipe. It sounds very similar (if not identical) to a tonic that Mr. Baker has touted for years.
As for the tonic, I can`t remember how Mr. Baker explained the reason and purpose for each component, but they were basically sound. I do not that the cola component provides sugar which feeds the micro-organisms in the soil. I definitely remember he refers to the ammonia as "lightning in a bottle"
We all know that ammonia is a component in commercial synthetic (vs. organic) fertilizers. IIRC Mr. Baker suggests the soap to "cleanse" the leaf surface of the grass. I can`t recall the purposes of the mouthwash and beer, although the beer is another carb.
I would be hesitant to use soap including the mouthwash on my lawn more than once per season, if that. Soap is not beneficial to the beneficial organisms in your lawn.
If you want to "waste" beer on your lawn, at least use cheap beer or better yet, "recycle" it first
A better (more cost effective and equally efficient)alternative for feeding carbs to the lawn would be to purchase liquid molasses from your garden center or farm store. You can buy molasses by the gallon or 55 gallon.
Additionally to help your landscape during periods of drought, 1) choose native plants when possible 2) water wisely 3) don`t over fertilize and do so with organic fertilizers. For your grasses if they are non-native variety, water deeply and infrequently -- apply 1" per session and those sessions should be every 7-10 days. This will help to develop a deep root system. Synthetic (and high nitrogen) based fertizers over stimulate leaf growth which stresses the plant.
That scratches the surface...
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