Garden Watering
In landscape gardening, it is vital to water plants properly. A watering schedule helps you get the right amount of water to your plants as needed.
Watering methods vary from watering cans, the use of a hose, lawn sprinklers and irrigation systems. When watering using hoses, make sure to adjust the water flow to match the needs of each plant. Also, avoid over-watering plants, which could cause them to become unhealthy and malnourished.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 30% to 70% of the water consumed by America’s residential homes is used outdoors. Summertime lawn and garden watering can multiply household water use two to four times over what is used the rest of the year. No matter what kind of yard or landscape you have, it's important to know exactly how much water your plants need before you turn on the sprinkler. Smart watering practices reduce runoff and may decrease the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Avoid watering in the middle of the day when the hot sun will evaporate much of the water before it can get to thirsty plants. It is best to water early in the morning. Your landscape will typically require one inch of water a week, including rainfall, and that can vary depending on where you live, recent weather, and the plants in your landscape.
If water begins to pool, turn off your sprinkler to prevent overwatering, weed growth, disease, fungus, and stormwater runoff that pollutes local waterways with fertilizers and pesticides. Watering plants or grass too frequently can drown plants or result in shallow roots.
Note: Newly planted plants need to be watered more often (every day or every other day), for two weeks till they become acclimated. Bushes and shrubs (every other day) for two weeks. Then you can use your regular watering schedule.
