Watering

This growing season has presented a challenge in terms of watering.  The wet spring set our plants up to enjoy the extra moisture then turned off the tap for a month of hot, dry weather, leaving us to provide for our thirsty plants.  How to water?  There is no one rule that works for all plants.  It’s easy to under-water but also easy to over-water.  The best method is to dig into the soil a few inches below the surface.  If it’s dry it needs water.  If it’s clumpy and moist no water is needed.  Soaker hoses provide efficient water while sprinklers are wasteful as much of the water evaporates or blows onto unintended surfaces like driveways.  Deep watering is preferable to surface watering – two deep waterings per week are better than daily sprinkling.  As for grass – why bother?  Lawns naturally go dormant – no need to waste all that water trying to keep the grass green in a hot, dry summer.  Let it go – save our precious water!!