HERE ARE SOME SMART & LOGICAL WATER-SAVING TIPS
It is now early to mid-July, and we all know what that means in Virginia regarding the heat and dryness. Here are some smart, logical water-saving tips to practice to keep all our plants happy and thriving:
WATER INFREQUENTLY, SLOWLY, DEEPLY, AND THOROUGHLY
This will encourage deeper root growth and greater tolerance to dry spells.
WATER EARLY IN THE MORNING
Watering early before it gets hot will reduce evaporation rate so that less water is lost to the atmosphere.
MULCH
Add a new layer of mulch. Mulching cuts down on water loss due to evaporation. I recommend a two-inch layer of mulch or compost. Applying mulches around shrubs, trees, annuals, vegetables, and even container gardens will help keep the plant’s roots cooler and moist longer between waterings. Mulch also helps inhibit the growth of weeds that compete for available water.
WATER-WISE PLANTS
Choose plants that require less water to survive. Our native plants fall under this category. And, it is only logical to keep in mind “RIGHT PLANT / RIGHT LOCATION.” Don’t fight Mother Nature. We have plants suited for the sun, and we have plants suited for the shade.
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Time the running of your irrigation system for the wee hours of the morning before sunrise. Think about installing water sensors. If we get a good soaking rain, the system will not run.
USE IRRIGATION TOOLS LIKE SOAKER HOSES AND TREE-GATORS
Slow drip irrigation and deep root watering systems reduce water loss by up to 60%.
ADDING ORGANIC MATTER TO YOUR EXISTING SOIL
Adding organic matter will aid the plants with deeper root growth. The deeper the roots grow, the better, down to where the soil stays cooler and moist longer.
LAWN CARE
If you have a lawn to maintain, gradually let it reach a height of 3 to 4 inches before mowing. Longer blades of grass can mean going 3 to 4 days longer between waterings.
None of these water-wise tips are difficult to follow. If you have lived in the Richmond area for a while, then you remember when we were placed under water restrictions. Let’s not go there again. Let’s be smart and protect this precious resource by applying water-wise gardening habits.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS & TAKE CARE OF OUR PLANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!