With an average of 46 inches of rain per year, Salem has plenty of rain during the summer. But the area can also experience periods of sweltering and extremely dry weather like last summer’s heat waves.
That means finding the perfect balance between letting your plants dry out in the sun and flooding them with too much water can be a constant struggle. These 4 tips will keep your garden thriving all summer long no matter the weather.
Handy Hints For Watering Your Outdoor Plants
- Automate your watering. Are you tired of getting up early to water your garden only to worry that you are over- or under-watering them? It may be time to consider installing irrigation or automatic sprinklers. Many professionally installed sprinkler or irrigation systems come with multiple moisture sensors which ensure your plants get just the right amount of water. Do you prefer planting in planters? Consider installing an automated drip-system or using self-watering containers for almost hands-free maintenance.
- Water before breakfast. One of the best things you can do for your landscape, your water bill, and the environment is to water early in the morning. Watering while the sun is low in the sky and the temperatures are still mild allow the water to reach the roots of your plants before it evaporates. Watering in the morning also helps to prevent excess water from lingering on the leaves and stems of your plants throughout the cooler nights, which can lead to fungal issues.
- Avoid over-watering. Just because the leaves on your plants look wilted, it doesn’t mean that they need any more water. Before dragging out the hose, check for clues your plants crave a drink. Use your hand to feel for moisture around their base. Just don’t check the top layer of the soil, but dig down a few inches. You may want to use the screwdriver test to help you determine whether the soil around your plants is too dry. Stick a six-inch screwdriver into the ground. If it penetrates easily with only moderate pressure, you can hold off on watering for the day. Over-watering can lead to root rot as well as edema, which will show up as blisters on the leaves.
- Water in stages. Go slow when watering. Too much water too quickly can cause runoff, which leads to erosion and loss of nutrients in the soil. Instead of concentrating on one area of the yard, move around while lightly watering. You need to give the water time to soak into the ground. Go back and water more after fifteen to twenty minutes.
Don’t have time to take care of your landscape the way it should be, but you still want a beautiful yard? Call in the experts. Green Acres Landscape can help you with all your water needs including installing automatic sprinklers or irrigation systems. Call us at 503-399-8066 for a free estimate.