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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q. HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I WATER MY PLANTS?A. This is another question everyone wants a simple answer for. Well there isn't one, because every plant in every situation requires a different answer! What may come as a surprise is that more people kill plants from overwatering than underwatering. The best advice is this, pay attention to what your plant needs, not what works for you. Generally, thorough watering less often is another good rule to follow. Be sure to find out about your plant's water requirements before planting and avoid planting high water usage plants with low ones. In the case of contained plants or those trying to grow under eaves (which you should try to avoid), and houseplants, try to use rain water whenever possible. Salts can build in the soil in these situations and become a toxic environment for some plants, especially where rain water from the sky is unable to leach the soil. Soil preparation will also make a difference in your plant's need for water in the landscape. By initially taking the time to incorporate organic matter into the soil, you'll usually reduce watering needs and most plants after the first year of establishment should only need rain to survive. Mulching is another great way to reduce water needs in your established and newly planted landscapes. Though some plants, like fast growing annuals and veggies seem to never get enough and they make it quite clear by wilting. Deep soakings in these situations is key, soaker hoses in the root zone are helpful especially with the addition of mulch over the soaker hose. Wetting agents (polymers) can also be helpful for those very thirsty plants, when incorporated at planting time or for areas too far from a water source. For those of you who just have to have irrigation to your plants, try to avoid buying those silly "irrigation kits", these almost never work and you'll just end up with alot of plastic parts you don't need (shed cloggers!) Seek professional help for irrigation at least initially, this way you see what's out there that actually works, the simpler the better! Grass is something everyone seems to want to water......WHY!? Our take on lawn is this, plant types of lawn grasses specific to your area, again good ground preparation is key and when the lawn is green and growing (Spring and Fall) mow it and enjoy. But by mid Summer if the rain stops and the temps. are up, let that lawn sleep (it's natural dormancy period) and give you and the lawn a break from the mower, try to get used to that lovely tawney color! Unnatural watering of cool season turf grasses has caused enormous problems, so for those of us in the N.W., let that lawn sleep in Summer! Another good tip for watering is
using the appropriate nozzel on the end of your hose and the right head on
the end of your watering can, this can make all the difference in the world
when watering plants. Try to take the time to shop for some good, gentle, water
efficient nozzels next time you need one and always use a hose washer with
a screen to avoid leaks and clogs. Avoid overhead watering, generally it's
plants roots that need water not foliage, this method of watering rarely soaks
in the ground unless it runs for a very long time and can cause foliage diseases
as well as waste our precious water resource. In the case of watering seedling
trays, many people encounter the "damping off" problem, where big
patches of your seedlings die. This situation can often be avoided by watering
from the bottom by capillary action, though you should never leave the water
under the tray or container once the soil is moist and stops taking up the
water. This method is also very effective for plants that are sensitive to
too much water on their crowns, like African violets and Begonias. |
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