Garden Watering Tips for Summer

Not only are we struggling with this heat wave, so are our gardens.  I thought I'd share a few watering tips with you to use this summer. 

* Water your garden before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. to avoid the hottest part of the day.

* If you can avoid a sprinkler, hand or hose watering your plants will help keep your water bill under control and prevent wasting water.   A soaker hose can provide an even deeper watering for your garden and is very useful for herbs and vegetables.

* Avoid watering the leaves of your plants - water the soil at the base of the plant.  Water on the leaves can be heated by the sun and cause scorch or burn -- and fungal diseases thrive when the temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees.  By watering the soil, you can protect your plants from this disease and damage.

* Keep water from puddling at the stem for too long.  If the stem of your plant stays in water too long, it can be susceptible to fungus or disease.

* Deep water your plants every week or two.  Newer plants will require watering more often until they get established.

* Adding mulch will help keep the soil and roots cool and conserve water, as well as foil weeds.  Water before you mulch, and add 2" to 6" of mulch.  If you are using grass clippings as mulch, let the grass clippings dry before spreading them around your plant.

Using these tips can help preserve your plants and conserve water at the same time. 

Happy gardening!