Existing Plants: Watering Procedures and Tips for a Water Wise Garden
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Here are some things to consider when deciding how and how often to water:
Soil type
Soil type is a major factor in determining how much water is necessary.
Clay soil is hard-packed and difficult to saturate when dry, but stays moist a long time once wet, and it puddles with too much water. The density of clay inhibits root development. Add peat moss, gypsum, and humus to loosen clay soil.
Sandy Soil is loose, drains quickly, and compacts when wet; it dries very quickly. Add peat moss, humus, and composted cow manure to make the soil more organic and retain water better.
Loam is composed of clay, sand, and organic matter; it holds water well, drains well, has good aeration, and promotes good plant growth. This is the soil we work in to create our gardens!
Location
On level or slightly inclined sites, make sure that newly planted material has a water-catching saucer of soil around the base which should be mulched to hold in. On hills and slopes, dig into the hillside to create a terrace-effect so soil around plants will not erode. Use a slow trickle, drip irrigation, or soaker hoses to water deeply and prevent erosion.
Plant Material
Learn about each of your plant’s cultural requirements. Don’t try to plant in extreme conditions contrary to the plant’s nature. If you do, you’ll only end up with a lot of work and weak, sick, or dead plants.
Trees and Shrubs
For the first year we recommend different watering schedules for certain seasons. Don’t go by the date as much as the temperature:
Spring (approx. Apri 1 - May 31): 2 times per week for 30-40 minutes
Summer (approx. June 1 - August 31): 3 times per week for 30-40 minutes
Fall (approx. September 1 - November 30): 2 times per week for 30-40 minutes
Winter (approx. December 1 - March 31): as needed during warm spells
Place the hose at the base of the plant and water with a slow and steady trickle to thoroughly soak the root ball.
Water small plants more heavily which are near large, established trees and shrubs. Their smaller root systems have difficulty competing for available moisture. Older trees and shrubs rarely need watering unless they have been damaged, stressed in some way, or in a drought.
Perennials
Perennials are less deeply rooted than trees and most shrubs but they still need deep watering for proper root growth and strong flowering. Avoid early loss or disfigurement of blossoms by watering only the roots, not the foliage. Soaker hoses are best for this. One to two inches of water per week, in one application, is generally ideal, unless there are drying winds or intense heat. Mulch plants to hold moisture and keep down weeds.
Annuals and Vegetables
Annuals and vegetables do best when watered at soil level, not onto the foliage. This technique cuts down on disease and prolongs the life of both flowers and fruit. You can use soaker hoses, drip-method trickle irrigation, or trench watering.
Hoses or drip systems conserve water while sending moisture to roots without puddling; they also combat heat stress by keeping soil cooler.
The results are healthier plants with more flowers and higher yields. Trenching requires digging troughs between beds, flooding them, and allowing water to soak down slowly and deeply. Mulches, such as plastic sheeting, newspapers, hay, or decorative wood chips keep down weeds and retain moisture between waterings or rains.
Lawns
Water lawns in the morning so grass will dry before dark. This discourages mold spores and other diseases which thrive in moist darkness. Water 2-2.5" every 4-7 days, depending on your soil’s structure and the weather. This practice encourages deep roots and a drought-resistant turf. If you use automatic sprinklers, make sure they are not set for frequent, shallow waterings — grass roots will only grow near the surface, causing sun burn and weakness towards pests and disease. If you have new sod, keep it evenly moist until it resists tugging. When roots have taken hold (about a month), a regular deep soaking once per week for 1-3 hours should be adequate.
The only way to determine if your property is getting enough natural moisture is to use a rain gauge. An empty tuna or cat food can or a measuring cup placed in the garden will do. One inch of rain fills a tuna or cat food can. One to two inches of water per week, in one application, is excellent during summer weather for most plants, with the exception of new plantings. In cooler weather or drought conditions watering should be adjusted accordingly.
Things to remember:
- Mulch to retain water and keep down weeds
- Water all in one application rather than short, frequent waterings.
- Water in the early morning rather than evening to prevent disease.
Tips for a water wise garden
- Water infrequently, deeply and thoroughly. This will encourage rooting and greater tolerance to dry spells.
- Mulch soil surface. Mulching cuts down on water loss due to evaporation. A two-inch layer of mulch or compost is recommended. Apply mulches to shrubs, trees, annuals, vegetable gardens, and even containers.
- Shelter container plants. Move containers to shade areas to keep them from drying quickly in hot windy areas.
- Install a drip or other water conservation irrigation system. Slow drip and deep root watering systems can save up to 60% of all water used in garden care.
- Use correct watering techniques. Water early in the day especially as the weather warms to reduce evaporation loss. Water less often for longer length of time to encourage deep root growth.
- Provide proper soil penetration. Spike or aerate lawns to insure maximum water penetration. Or use soil penetration chemicals.
- Don’t be a gutter flooder. Turn off lawn sprinklers before water is wasted as run-off into gutters and streets. Be sure your irrigation system is in proper working condition.
- Properly condition and fertilize your soil. Water does not easily penetrate clay soils and water passes too quickly beyond the root zone of plants in sandy soil. Adding organic matter to clay and sandy soils will increase the penetrability of clay soils and the water holding capacity of sandy soils. Fertilize in moderation using a complete, balanced formula.
- Cut lawns to proper height. Gradually let lawns reach a height of 3-4 inches. Longer blades of grass can mean going 3 to 4 days longer between waterings.
- Discourage water competition from weeds. Keep them pulled and/or use herbicides to control weed growth and mulch to keep them from growing.
- Plant in groups. Group together plants having similar water requirements (Ferns, Azaleas, Willows, Alders)
Being “Water Wise” not only conserves water, but actually helps you achieve a healthy garden. And it can be colorful, too!