This really hot week has really taken a toll on everyone and everything, especially our gardens. Cooler conditions are coming along with much needed rain, but in the meantime, it is important to follow a few good tips for watering your gardens to get them through this very stressful time.
- Prioritize your watering. It is most important to water newly planted trees and shrubs.
- Aim for at least an inch of water per week.
- Water early in the morning, before 7am if possible
- Avoid overhead watering such as sprinklers. Instead, place a hose running at a low volume at the base of each plant and let the water dip down into the root system slowly.
- Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation which will allow the water to percolate down into the soil.
- Established trees and shrubs should be watered deeply every week or so. Be especially attentive to shallow rooted shrubs such as rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas.
- Avoid watering your lawn. The brown patches will green up right after the next rainstorm.
- Your containers and window boxes will need watering twice a day during this time, as they dry out very quickly.
- I find an application of liquid seaweed and fish emulsion, diluted per bottle instructions, indispensable during drought conditions. Apply every 5-7 days.
MJ McCabe Garden Design 