Hot! Hot! Hot!
With daily temperatures upwards of 90 degrees and no appreciable rainfall, water is crucial to keeping your plants alive. Take a moment to review our hot weather watering guidelines and remember to check your plants regularly for moisture.
How Much? It’s best to water infrequently and deeply. This encourages a deeper root system, which is healthier for plants. Watering too often encourages shallow roots that struggle during stressful periods of drought or harsh winters.
Irrigation systems are great if used properly, but most are not. Be sure to apply the proper amount of water needed to each area. Automatic timers should be adjusted to seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall.
Hot Weather Watering Guidelines:
Lawns, Vegetable & Flower Gardens: 1-1½ inches twice per week
Trees & Shrubs: 1-1½ inches every 7 days*
How to Measure Water: Set out some cans (tuna cans work well). Run the sprinklers for one hour; measure the amount of water in the can. If you collected a half-inch of water, it will take 2-3 hours to apply the needed amount.
*New plantings should be checked for water daily for the first 6 weeks, then every other day thereafter for the first growing season. Keep in mind that this is only the frequency for checking moisture, NOT how often to actually water.
When? Whenever possible, early morning watering is best. This encourages the foliage to dry before evening which helps to avoid disease. Be sure to check with your local water authority for watering rules.
What about Mulch? We love mulch! Mulch helps to conserve moisture, reduces weeds and looks pretty nice too! Apply 2-3” of organic mulch evenly to your beds. Mulch is available in a number of colors and styles.
For additional information about how and when to water, visit our web site.