Water conservation and weed control are especially important during the summer. One of
the best ways to achieve the goal of a weed-free, drought-resistant yard,
is to use mulches and other soil amendments.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU WATER?
The answer isn't as simple as you think . This question is probably the most asked question in nurseries and
garden centers today. It gets many different answers, and many of these
different answers are surprisingly correct. A lawn requires one watering schedule, bedding plants and vegetables require another, shrubs and trees should be on a separate schedule, and Xeriscape plantings need a different schedule altogether. Water needs and watering schedules can be an exact science, however, unless you take an advanced 'Evapo Transpiration' class from a University you will probably have to do like the rest of us in the nursery industry - GUESS! The better educated guess you can make the better your plants will respond in your yard and the more water you will conserve.
Tips For a Water Wise Garden
Water is a critical part of home gardening. As water becomes scarce we need to be more aware of conservation. The key is using water efficiently not extravagantly.
Water infrequently but water deeply and thoroughly. This will encourage deep rooting and greater root tolerance in dry spells. Don't water every day.- Mulch the soil surface to cut down on water loss due to evaporation. We recommend a two inch layer of Black Forest Mulch, Fine Bark or Soil Pep. Leaf clippings or newspaper will also work. Apply mulch around shrubs, trees, flowers, vegetable gardens and even in containers.
- Install a drip irrigation system. The slow watering system can save up to 60% of all water used in garden care.
- Water early in the day, especially during the hot summer days, to reduce evaporation loss.
- Aerate your lawns to insure maximum water penetration. Spread peat moss or Soil Moist over your lawn after aerating and rake it into the holes. Peat moss will help keep moisture in the soil for the lawn to use.
- Don't be a gutter flooder. Turn off lawn sprinklers before water is wasted. Water two times in one day if needed, but don't water every day.
- Properly condition your soil.Water does not easily penetrate clay soil and water passes too quickly through sandy soil. Adding Soil Pep, Coconut Fiber, or Compost to the soil will help tremendously.
- Raise the height of your lawn mower. Keep your lawn
two to three
inches long during the summer. Longer blades of grass can mean going one to three days longer between waterings. - Discourage water competition from weeds. Keep them pulled.
- Group plants together having similar water requirements. (Junipers, for example, don't need as much water as lawns.)
- Use bath water in your vegetable or flower garden. Soft water is not desirable for flowers and vegetables but won't hurt larger trees and shrubs occasionally, (in an emergency).
- Fertilize well in the spring and fall, but don't fertilize much during the summer.
- Plant shrubs and trees early in the spring, or late in the fall. Trees will withstand drought better once they are rooted thoroughly.
- Use water holding and water penetrating additives. Organicmaterial holds water. Water In or Pene Turf helps water soak into the soil faster (liquid dish soap is also helps water soak in faster). Water Holdis a crystal that actually holds water. Water Hold keeps water from draining away too quickly. It actslike a tiny sponge to hold water until the plants need it. Use Water Hold or Soil Moist in containers, after aerating your lawn, in flower and vegetable gardens, and when planting new shrubs and trees.
- Hand Water smaller dry areas. Don't water the whole lawn if it doesn't need it.
- Do not water older trees (apples, maples, pines,
willows, sycamores) until mid-summer. Water them deeply once a month from mid-summer
until snow fall. Pines and junipers are very drought tolerant and don't
need as much water as fruit trees, water them differently. - Measure how much water you apply.Place small cans in several different locations throughout your lawn. Measure how much water is applied to each area. You may be surprised!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: DO NOT WATER PLANTS, INCLUDING LAWNS, EVERY DAY!
Being "Water Wise" not only conserves water but actually helps you achieve a healthier garden. Your plants, and your neighbors, will appreciate you more!
More plants drown than die from lack of water!
J&L Garden Center makes a large variety of mulches and soil amendments available. For detailed information about the mulches available, please download a copy of J&L's mulch Description Handout.
Watch for J&L's Summer Gardening Newsletter
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