Water Like A Pro
By, Understanding The Basics
Leaving your garden to the elements? With rising temperatures and increasing unpredictable rain patterns each passing year – Now more than ever it’s crucial to provide your leafy friends with stable moisture levels. Notice any signs of stress during harsh weather conditions; Yellowing, wilting, dried or crispy plants are their way of crying out “I’m thirsty”.
The good news, no need to control the weather, just a simple garden hose and a little know-how should do the trick. Watering is not an exact science, there are so many variables when it comes to your lawn, tree’s, shrub’s, & garden. Mastering this art will put the health and longevity of your landscaping back into your hands.
While this article may not transfer to in-the-garden experience you’ll be well on your way to a garden expert in no time. Dive into this comprehensive guide to learn the essential do’s and don’ts:
DO’s
Check the variables – The amount of water a plant needs is constantly changing depending on these factors.
- Weather conditions: Water more frequently in hot, windy, low humidity conditions.
- Time of year/season: Plants require more water during active growth periods.
- Type of plant: Your hydrangea and cactus should be watered equally.
- Plant size: A larger plant will have a deep root system that needs to be saturated.
- Sun exposure: Shaded plants are prone to rot if overwatered, while plants in direct sunlight may become crisp if left without a daily shower.
- Soil texture: Sandy soil can drain quickly, while clay soil retains water.
Use Mulch – Adding a layer of mulch to your beds helps to retain moisture reducing water waste by near eliminating evaporation.
Check the Soil Before Watering – When the ground surface looks dry, probe down a few inches with your finger to see if the soil is also dry several inches down. If so, it’s time to water. If not, wait a day.
Water in Morning – The early morning hours are the best time to water your plants, giving them enough time to absorb moisture into their roots. If the morning is not feasible, watering in the evening is acceptable. But keep in mind that watering at night will cause water to rest in the soil around the roots and on the leaves, which could lead to rot or fungal growth. So it is best not to make a habit of it.
Water slowly – When we water quickly it is guaranteed not to be thoroughly. And when we do most of it will either run off or form into puddles, creating a water barrier on the topsoil. A better approach is to start out slowly, gradually building up from a sprinkle to a soak. Once the top few inches of soil are saturated the ground will accept water more easily.
Water Where the Roots Are – Focus the water at the soil level until the plant’s entire root ball is thoroughly soaked. Remember that the roots are probably just as wide as the plant and may be a foot or two deep.
Make Every Drop Count – Taking all these points into consideration one now knows how to water with purpose. Investing in a windscreen, watering wand, drip irrigation or soaker hose may increase the effectiveness of your new found knowledge.
DON’Ts
Over Water – Plants need oxygen just as much as they need water. The goal is not to drown them or leave them swimming. For most plants, it is best practice to allow the soil surface through a few inches deep to dry out between waterings. This is especially important with container plants water penetrating deep but much less frequently.
Water at Midday – While well-intentioned, watering during the hottest part of the day can do more harm than good. The intense heat magnified through droplets can burn or scar leaves. And most of the water will evaporate before reaching the root ball, where it is needed.
Be Wasteful – Watering with your garden hose pointed to the sky won’t get much done. Get it to where it needs to go, the base of each plant. Only in plant types which require higher humidity levels is misting beneficial.
Let Them Dry Out – While a sturdy plant is capable of withstanding drought to keep a lush green garden it must be maintained. Pay close attention for when signs of damage appear and do your best to prevent them with stable moisture levels.
Things to keep in mind:
Even the most experienced gardeners will struggle to explain the secrets of watering correctly; As almost if not all of your plants’ successes and failures can be attributed in some way to it. Go with the flow and in no time you too will be a master of the art of watering.
