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WATERING NEW PLANTINGS
One essential theme of organic
gardening is choosing plants naturally suited to the
location. A well-planned landscape usually needs very
little supplemental water once it is established.
However, during a dry season, and during the
establishment period, supplemental water is necessary.
HOW TO WATER: A PRIMER
Start with any
conifers (evergreens) that have been planted in the last
two years. Put the hose on light spray, and gradually
wet the ground directly at the base of the plant. (If it
is early morning, you can spray the foliage, too.) Once
you can see that the water is soakingin, put the hose
on trickle, and leave it at the base for an hour. Water
deeply.
After you've watered the conifers,
move onto the leafy trees and shrubs, and water them the
same way.
Perennial gardens (and grass, if
you bother with it) can be watered with a sprinkler.
Always water early in the morning. Watering in the
middle of the day can cause sun scorching. Many people
think they should water at night, because golf courses
do. Golf courses have no choice but to water when the
course is not in use. Watering at night, however,
frequently leads to problems with fungus. Golf courses
pay the high price of fungicides for this necessity.
Water deeply. Leave the sprinkler
on for an hour or two. If you have a rain gage, measure
up to 2 inches.
Do this no more than once a week,
until it rains. If we are getting regular rain, only
trees less than two years old need supplemental water.
These techniques conserve water by
being effective and efficient. If you have any
questions, or if you want some help with maintenance,
let us know.
New plantings must be watered until
their root systems are established. Water trees,
shrubs, and perennials twice each week, using the
techniques described above. Continue to do this for at
least 6 weeks, when there is insufficient rain fall
(less than one inch per week).
Trees must receive supplemental
water for two years. It is especially important that
they are well watered in the fall.
Plants from seed, including Grass
In order to germinate, seed must be
in firm contact with the ground and remain moist at all
times. After germination occurs, water every other day
for a week. In subsequent weeks, water twice each week
until established. ALWAYS WATER DEEPLY. |
