 Bulbs need water, too! Proper watering and mulching of your landscape helps to insure your plantings are healthy and able to resist disease, pests and drought. In most cases an inch of water per week (remember to factor in rainfall) should be adequate. Watering wisely also saves you time and money. Even when local water restrictions are in place, you can still water your plantings effectively.
Water: 1.) Deeply - to encourage development of deep, healthy roots that help plants tolerate hot, dry conditions 2.) Infrequently - depending on the type of vegetation, soil and weather 3.) Uniformly - to promote even growth 4.) Efficiently - when using a sprinkler, early morning is the best time. When using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system, mornings or evenings will do. Also, it is helpful to mulch to prevent weeds and conserve soil moisture. Did you know: - That up to 50% of the water distributed by oscillating sprinklers can be lost before it reaches your landscaping? - Frequent, light watering wastes water and doesn't properly hydrate plants? - Container gardens require more watering because the soil dries out quickly? - Mulching, and mowing your lawn higher and less often, prevents weeds and conserves soil moisture? - Native and drought-tolerant plants require less water?  Autumn Garden Tasks:
Remove seed heads of self-seeding perennials Fill your bird feeders Trim back foliage as it's frosted off Pull the last weeds of the season Plant bulbs for spring color Soak in the fiery reds, golds and russet Bring your houseplants inside Have your soil tested and fertilize, if needed Mulch the crowns of sensitive plants Clean your garden tools Bask in the rare bits of warm sunshine Winterize your waterfeatures Decorate with seasonal pots Harvest the last of your vegetables Take a walk in the woods and kick some leaves Visit your local farmstand |