It's been a very, very dry spring. Lawns are already browning. Newly planted plants are getting crispy. The bright sun coupled with the breeze these last few days is a major contributor to our dry landscapes. Added to that, the haze we are experiencing from Canadien wildfires has our gardens gasping for water and fresh air!
Water is a precious resource that we usually take for granted here in the mid-Atlantic. In most years, drought-like conditions do not appear until late summer. A drought in spring is tough because we've all just planted our gardens, purchased new trees and shrubs for our landscapes, and planted our vegetable gardens. So how do we water to protect our investment and grow our gardens?
New trees, shrubs, and other plants in the garden may require water daily, depending on the weather. A rain gauge is a helpful tool that can let us know how much rain we get between our own waterings. We recommend that new plantings get watered daily. Trees and shrubs can be watered with a slow trickle from a hose for 2-3 hours. Water at the base of the plant; at the root zone to diminish water evaporation. Plants will do better if watered in the early morning as this will give them all day to use the water. Watering at night will slow the plants taking in the water and may lead to disease issues if plants are constantly wet at night. Watering in the early evening isn't ideal, but I have done so as it's when I have time. Water thoroughly to provide deep roots for the plant. Shallow watering equals shallow roots.
Existing and mature plantings, in the ground for 2 years or more, may require watering twice a week. Our goal is an inch of water a week, another reason to have that rain gauge in place. That is equivalent to about 600 gallons of water for a 1,000-square-foot area. A spray of water from a hose just isn't going to be enough water to keep the landscape from being too dry. Soaker hoses, drip systems, and/or sprinklers may be the answer to hydrating gardens. Mulching the garden beds with an inch to two of mulch will help keep moisture in. Weeds can take up valuable water and nutrient resources, so keep them pulled.
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| Drip tubes keep container plants watered through summer plant trials |
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| The drip system also waters the hanging baskets in our greenhouses |
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| Let the grass grow to 3 inches before mowing |
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| Hose is connected to a soaker hose for watering. |
Lawns are tricky. We plant primarily cool weather grasses like turf-type fescues in Maryland for the most part. These lawns will usually go dormant and revive in the cooler weather in the fall. Drought conditions this early will require that the lawns be watered to keep them green. If the lawn is healthy, it will go through the dry period much easier. Keep lawns mowed high, at about 3 inches for most. This will shade the roots of the grasses. Keep heavy traffic off of the grass. Reseed and fertilize in the cooler fall months if necessary to revive some areas.
Many people plant in pots and containers around their homes and on their decks and patios. These require water daily during times of drought. Check plants every day to see that they are getting the water they need. This includes hanging baskets, window boxes and possibly raised beds.
We rely on weather reports all year, but especially during the growing season. Be prepared to water the gardens and containers in your landscape. Questions? Give us a call at 410-527-0700. We have the products and information you need to keep gardens thriving.
