Plant Talk |
CAUTION:The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to Harnett County, NC and may not apply in other areas.
LESS WATER, HEALTHY PLANTS, 05/23/97
Having lived in a Guatemalan village, I know well the value of water. Most days, I had running water for one or two hours. But on two occasions, the spigot went dry for almost a week. Now that I'm back in North Carolina, I often take this precious resource for granted. The current restrictions on water use, however, remind us of its value. Here are some tips to save water without sacrificing your yard and garden.
APPLY INFREQUENTLY, THOROUGHLY
Most plants will require judicious and regular watering after planting. But after they become established, watering should be thorough but infrequent. This will encourage the plant to develop a deep root system. After becoming fully established, many plants will do fine if only watered during periods of drought.
KNOW HOW MUCH YOU NEED
Most plants, including vegetables, flowers, lawns, and newly planted trees and shrubs, need about one inch of water per week. If we get a half inch of rain, you only need to apply half an inch of irrigation water that week. Of course, if you see visible signs of moisture stress, you should irrigate even if the one inch level has been reached.
Here is a simple way to measure the amount your sprinkler or irrigation system applies. Place several containers (empty tuna cans are ideal) in the area covered by your sprinkler or irrigation system. Turn on the water for 30 minutes, then measure the depth of water collected in the cans. Divide the total amount collected by the number of cans to get an average. Also, note the point when the water begins to runoff, especially in clay or compacted soils, and on slopes. If the runoff point is reached, stop and allow the water to move into the soil, then apply the rest later.
TRICKLE IRRIGATION
Trickle irrigation systems have many advantages over sprinklers. They apply the water where it is needed, they apply it slowly to reduce runoff, and there is little loss from wind or evaporation. Trickle systems range from flexible tubes buried a few inches deep in your garden rows, to seeper hoses. As the name implies, the latter seeps water down its entire length. No gardener should be without one.
MULCH
Mulching is an invaluable tool for conserving water (and controls weeds, to boot!). And in sandy soils, tilling organic matter into the soil will keep it from drying out so quickly.
PLANT SELECTION
Another method is to select drought tolerant plants. In general, lawns require more water. Trees, shrubs, and other types of ground covers generally need less water. Call me for a detailed list of drought tolerant plants.
CORRECT TIMING
Mid-day is the worst time to irrigate, since much water is lost to evaporation and wind (this problem is reduced with trickle systems). The best times to apply are after 9 in the evening, or before 9 in the morning. Applying after 9 pm does not normally contribute to disease problems.
LAWNS
Correct mowing height is critical to conserve water. Furthermore, don't expect fescue to stay lush and green through the summer. It is a cool season grass which goes dormant during hot weather. While dormant, it can live for up to three weeks without water. However, fescue can be damaged if it is watered frequently in the spring, then not at all in mid-summer after the spring water bill has arrived.
Please call me if you would like more information on becoming a wise water steward.
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