No garden can survive without water. Thanks to global warming, the temperatures are going up every year so it becomes vital for the owners of a garden to ensure that they don’t rely too much on an automatic irrigation system.
Water the plants more often than before because evaporation rates have increased rapidly which means water is getting into the air rather than getting into the soil.
Hand Water
If you live in an area where there is shortage of water, you should consider the option of giving water to the plants by using a hand held hose.
If you are an environmentalist who doesn’t like wastage of water, you can choose to recycle the water from household use and then use it for gardening. There are many recycling products available these days that will suit every budget.
Gray Water
In case you can’t go for a water recycling device for any reason, you can also use gray water for gardening. Acceptable gray water sources are collecting water that is used to rinse dishes or collecting bath water. Some people even think it okay to use laundry water.
More Water Needs
Annuals usually need more water so if you have just added them, you should try to water them on a daily basis. You should also remember to check the soil before you choose to water.
If you didn’t water them since the day you planted them, you should water them immediately. Never ignore the watering as they won’t be able to complain but just die. Remember that they need you as much as you need them.
In case you did installation of seed or sod, perennials or ground covers or even trees or shrubs then they might also need your attention.
Please note that while irrigation systems are very effective at ensuring regular soil moisture is maintained, they are not good at managing drought. It is your responsibility to go out and look at your plants regularly.
Though plants can’t speak, you can easily judge their needs by their look. If they are wilting or have brown tips, these are some signs that say they might be thirsty.
Garden Watering Tips
- If you are a new gardener, these garden watering tips may help you to make your plants healthier and happier.
- You can try using a watering wand as it’s a great way to deliver a constant stream of gentle water to your plants. While using it, you should direct the water right at the base of your plants. Do keep in mind that you are watering the plant indirectly via soil, not the plant directly.
- It is also essential to watch out for water run off. To avoid that, you should ensure that the water is soaking in. If water is running off you should go slowly. You can even scratch the surface of the ground with a cultivator to break up the crusty surface of the mulch or soil.
- The right technique of watering is to water a little, move to the next plant, water a little and then move further. Then you should go back to the first plant and repeat the entire process. When the soil is very dry, you might find it difficult to ensure full absorption in one attempt. You should try going over at least two to three times if you are hoping to make a difference.
- If the plants are dehydrated, you should refrain from fertilizing them. Instead, you should water them until they are lush and perky again. When they are, it is safe for you to fertilize them. This principle applies to the lawns as well. Fertilizing a dry lawn is usually just a waste of money.
- The right time to water your plants is before 9 in the morning or after 5 in the evening. But if you come across a plant at any time of the day, you should ensure that water gets at the base. For that you might need to dig into the soil and get the water to go really deep. After that you can put it on regular rotation of watering.
- It is essential that you refrain from just spraying the leaves of the plants. You should just direct the water to the soil and not the foliage in any case. You should never spray the leaves of plants such as lilacs, roses, peonies, several annuals and phlox as they are very susceptible to fungus.
- In case you are feeling overwhelmed or you are not sure about how to deal with drought and summer heat, you should talk to a backyard renovations Sydney expert like NBG Landscapes who can tell you all about watering and reduce your frustrations with regard to keeping up with the demands of the landscape, especially in the heat.
