USE WATER WISELY
Water supplies are limited and many areas of the country want us to conserve water. How can you and I conserve water and still have healthy watered plants?
We can use some simple watering techniques that will not harm our lawns, shrubs, trees or flowers. Make your garden water efficient by using the following strategies.
WATER IN THE MORNING. The best time to water is between 5 and 10 a.m. The evaporation rate is low and the temperatures are cool giving the plants time to soak up the moisture before the hot sun or strong winds evaporate the moisture. Watering in the evening encourages plant fungal disease like mildew. If you must water in the evening, allow enough time for the foliage to dry before nightfall.
WATER DEEPLY AND INFREQUENTLY. Plants are encouraged to send their roots down into the soil when they are watered infrequently and deeply. In summer most plants and lawns need at least one inch of water per week for deep roots to develop. In the High Desert, lawns need 1.5 inches per week or four to six inches per month. Deeply water the trees, shrubs and perennials every five to seven days. When you water too frequently you may be encouraging your plants to develop shallow roots. You are wasting water and wasting your money. Underwatering causes drought stress, shallow roots and unhealthy plants.
HAND CHECK SOIL MOISTURE. Use your finger to feel the soil for moisture. When the soil feels slightly cool but not wet, add water. In the garden, check for dampness by digging down 6 – 8 inches. Take a handful of dirt and squeeze it in your fist. The soil should form a ball that crumbles apart and yet still feels moist. If the soil is not wet, irrigate longer. If the soil stays in a mud ball, it is too wet.
CHOOSE THE BEST METHOD. Soak soils slowly to avoid water runoff and wasted water. Use soaker hoses, trickle hoses or drip hoses. They can decrease water usage by 70 percent. Hand watering is the best to use to water containers and small beds. Use a timer with a loud annoying ring for a reminder to turn off sprinklers and hoses.
USE MULCH. Mulching flowerbeds conserves soil moisture, controls weeds and prevents erosion. Spread a two to five inch layer of bark particles, compost, grass clippings or straw to mulch your gardens. Use these simple tactics to conserve water and they can help you have beautiful healthy plants.
Copyright 2008 by Lavon H. La Fresnaye