Keep your garden properly watered for the biggest harvests and most beautiful blooms while conserving this precious resource. Your watering practices can make a difference between a thriving garden or a wilting one. Below are some watering tips from our experts:
General Watering Tips:
- It’s best to water your garden early in the morning when the temperature is cooler and the water will not evaporate.
- Late afternoon/early evening watering is also okay if the plants have ample time to dry before nightfall.
- Many people like to apply a list mist several times a day. This causes the water to evaporate quickly and encourages shallow root systems.
- Plants growing in full sun require more water than those in the shade.
Watering Newly-Planted Trees, Shrubs & Perennials:
- Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials with roots close to the soil surface, will need watering on a daily basis.
- Regular watering is essential until new plants become established.
- The best way to water in the hot, dry weather is a slow, deep soak. The slow drip hydrates your plants at the soil line and thus gets to the roots and nourishes the plant.
- Mulching around the base of the plant will help the water soak in, rather run off.
Watering Established Trees, Shrubs & Perennials:
- Because older plants have established root systems, they should not need to be watered daily. However, even older established plants require regular watering during this time of year.
- The best way to water in the hot, dry weather is a slow, deep soak. The slow drip hydrates your plants at the soil line and thus gets to the roots and nourishes the plant.
- Mulching around the base of the plant will help the water soak in, rather than run off.
Lawn Watering:
- Aerate lawns by punching holes 6-inches apart. This allows water to reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
- Keep weeds out of your lawn and garden to reduce.
Signs You Are Under-Watering:
- Soil is dry
- Leaves are wilted
- Leaves curl
- Older leaves turn yellow or brown and start dropping off
Signs You Are Over-Watering:
- Soil is constantly damp
- Leaves turn a lighter shade of green or turn yellow
- Young shoots are wilted
- Leaves are green yet brittle
- Algae and mushrooms are growing
Tips for Saving Water:
- Don’t run the sprinkler longer than necessary. In an hour, 600 gallons can be wasted.
- Know how to turn off the automatic sprinklers in case of rain.
- Install a trickle-drip irrigation system close to the roots of your plants. By dripping water slowly, the system doesn’t spray water.