  |
|
|
|
Water plants thoroughly with soaker hoses and other efficient watering aids.
Summers are hot and dry in many areas of the country. Be prepared to water the garden when rainfall is insufficient. Know when and how to apply water properly. Time of DayThe ideal time is early in the morning before it gets hot. Otherwise, much of the water will be lost to evaporation. Avoid watering in the evening if possible. This causes the foliage to remain damp overnight, which can encourage disease. How Often to WaterGenerally, about every seven to ten days is recommended for most areas. This assumes that an inch or more of rain hasn’t occurred. In warm climates and during heat waves, frequent watering is needed. Depending on the weather, this might be every four days or so. Some soils dry out more quickly than others. Because the water-holding capacity of clay is several times greater than that of sand, sandy soils will need to be watered sooner. Loam falls in between these two extremes. How Much Water to ApplyWater deeply. Light watering encourages plants to develop shallow root systems that can’t withstand dry spells. The soil around the plants’ roots needs to be thoroughly moistened. Obviously, larger plants have larger root systems, thus requiring more water. Of all soil types, clay will need the most water. Which Plants Need to be WateredAll newly planted trees, shrubs, ground covers, and perennials will need to be watered on a regular basis until they become established. Generally, this is for the first year. After that, they should be able to withstand short, dry spells without being watered. In general, annual flower beds demand a lot of water to look their best. Without it, they can’t bloom properly. The exceptions are drought-resistant species, such as moss rose. In addition, vegetable gardens and fruit plants need ample water to produce a good crop. Plants can differ in their need for water. For example, hardy stone crops are much less demanding than moisture-loving species, such as ferns and Japanese maples. How to WaterThere are several ways to apply water. Few gardeners are lucky enough to have automatic watering systems. This requires digging and installing irrigation pipes, which must be done before the garden is planted. Sprinklers are inefficient, especially for watering woody plants, entire garden beds, and the like. Much of the water never reaches the plants. Watering is often done manually with a hose. Watering cans are suitable when only a few plants need to be watered. For mixed borders, flower beds, and vegetable gardens, soaker hoses are an excellent choice. This is an efficient and easy way to water large areas. Buy enough soaker hoses for the entire bed. Trying to move them around from one spot to another is a real pain. Old hoses that would normally be discarded can be turned into soaker hoses. Just punch holes at regular intervals so the water trickles along its entire length.
The copyright of the article Watering Basics in Landscaping is owned by Connie Krochmal. Permission to republish Watering Basics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
