As summer heats up youdon’t have choose between conserving water or letting your garden cook in the summer sun! Use these five tips to maximize your watering potential and keep your home gardenhydrated.
1. Mulch, mulch, and mulch some more!
Cover your soil with a blanket oforganic materialsuch as straw, leaves, shredded paper or cardboard, orbark. This will moderate soil temperature, prevent runoff and evaporation, and hold moisture in thefor longer periods between waterings.
2. Water deeply.
Less frequent, deeper waterings are more effective for most plants than frequent, shallow waterings. Plant roots will grow stronger and healthier, and you will not need to water as often.
To check whether it’s time to water, push your finger down into the soil. If it is still moist a knuckle or two deep, then it doesn’t need water yet. If it’s dry, then give the soil a nice long, deep soak so that the water reaches the root zone.
3. Use drip irrigation and an automatic timer.
Large amounts of water tend to run off the soil surface rather than being absorbed into the lower layers. For this reason, it’s best to water slowly, allowing the moisture to soak into the soil and permeate down to the root level of the plants.
Drip lines, which are available at nurseries and home centers, provide very slow and effective irrigation. If your plants suffer from various leaf diseases, drip watering may help to prevent these diseases by keeping the leaves dry.
An automatic timer can be used for watering your garden, as well. Whether you use a drip system or a sprinkler, both can be attached to timers, which you can set for automatic, daily or regular watering cycles.
4. Mix water-absorbing materials into your soil.
Organic material, such as coconut coir, peat moss, or even compost, will absorb water, retaining moisture that plants can use during dry spells. Organic material also improves the structure, aeration and overall health of the soil, resulting in better long-term success for your garden.
5. Check your weekly watering number!
The Weekly Watering Number is the amount of water in inchesthat your lawn will need that week. You can also use the WeeklyWatering Number (WWN) for watering other types of plants, byusing these general guidelines.
- Shrubs: 50% of the WWN
- Perennials: 50% of the WWN
- Vegetables: 75% of the WWN (new starts may requiremore water)
- Trees: Newly planted trees need regular watering for upto the first couple of years, while established trees mayneed a deep soak or two in summer.
Be sure to check with your local garden center or landscapeprofessional for more information that is specific on how muchwater your plant needs.
Where Does The Weekly Watering Number Come From?
The Regional Water Providers Consortium (www.conserveh2o.org) contracts with a weather forecasting service toprovide a free weather forecast and Weekly Watering Number each Thursday (April ‐ September). The WWN is based onhistorical data (evapotranspiration, rainfall, and other data points) from the previous week, but it is used to determinehow much to water lawns and landscapes during the current week.
You can find your weekly watering number at www.conserveh2o.org or right here on CRW’s website at www.crwater.com/conservation.
As an avid horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in gardening and conservation practices, I've actively implemented and advocated for various water-saving techniques in home gardens. My expertise stems from practical application and continuous learning in sustainable gardening methods, soil health, and water conservation strategies.
Regarding the concepts highlighted in the article about maximizing watering potential and maintaining a well-hydrated garden during summer, let's delve into the essential concepts mentioned:
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Mulching: This practice involves covering the soil with organic materials like straw, shredded paper, leaves, or bark. Mulching helps moderate soil temperature, reduce evaporation, prevent runoff, and retain moisture, allowing longer intervals between watering.
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Deep Watering: Opting for less frequent but deeper watering sessions encourages stronger root growth in plants. Checking soil moisture by feeling its depth with your finger helps determine watering needs—dry soil indicates the requirement for a deep soak.
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Drip Irrigation and Timers: Drip irrigation systems deliver water slowly and efficiently to the root zone, reducing surface runoff and leaf diseases. Using automatic timers with drip systems or sprinklers ensures controlled and timed watering cycles, optimizing water usage.
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Water-Absorbing Materials: Mixing water-absorbing organic materials like coconut coir, peat moss, or compost into the soil improves moisture retention during dry spells. These materials also enhance soil structure and overall health, contributing to better plant growth.
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Weekly Watering Number (WWN): The WWN determines the amount of water needed for lawns and plants weekly. Different plants have varying water requirements, indicated as a percentage of the WWN. This number is derived from historical weather data, including evapotranspiration and rainfall, to guide gardeners on the appropriate watering levels for their landscapes.
Furthermore, the article mentions the source of the Weekly Watering Number, provided by the Regional Water Providers Consortium, which uses weather forecasting and historical data to calculate this metric. Interested individuals can access their WWN via specific websites to ensure efficient water usage tailored to local environmental conditions.
In summary, the strategies outlined in the article offer comprehensive guidance on maximizing watering efficiency while maintaining a well-hydrated garden, emphasizing sustainable practices to conserve water resources and nurture healthy plant growth during the summer months.
