Homegrown: Watering tips

Too wet; too dry; hot and even hotter.

The only predictable thing about Iowa's weather is that it's unpredictable. I recently noticed that since getting a rain barrel, I haven't even hooked up my garden hose this summer.

Given the extremes we've seen this month, Linn County Extension Master Gardener Intern, Jane Schildroth, passed along some timely information on water use:

 If your garden and lawn are important to you, this hot July is no time to be lazy!  You don't need to go crazy with your water usage, even though the conditions have been less than ideal. During dry spells, you do, however, need to get up and do your watering early in the morning.  This will let the water soak into the ground and also give the foliage time to dry well and fast.  If you sleep late or water in the evening, you are increasing the chances for diseases that will visit your yard.  Better than a sprinkler, a soaker hose or other drip system will help your fruit or vegetable garden and help avoid disease.  With this system, you can start it and go back to bed – or run it in the evening.

 The main point to remember about watering is that it's best to water deeply – and not necessarily very often.  Approximately one inch each week should be fine for fruits, vegetables, flowers and turfgrass.  Your purpose in following this rule is to help your plants establish deep roots so they can reach the moisture in the soil.  Shallow roots will result from light watering and your plants will have to struggle to survive.

 If you planted new trees or shrubs this year, you should be watering every 7-10 days during dry weather.  For large trees, you will need to keep this up for 2-3 years.

 The effort you put into proper mulching earlier in the spring should help you out now because the moisture will be retained longer and your chosen plants won't have to fight off as many weeds.  Also knowing your soil type is important, as well, because you will adjust your watering accordingly.  Sandy soils, of course, will require more attention.

 Efficiency is key – you want to save money and time and have beautiful results, too.  So be consistent and uniform with your watering.  Your plants, whatever type, will grow more evenly and produce good yields.  So,  plan your watering when it's needed. Set the alarm and give your plants a great gift!

 http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1994/6-8-1994/hohright.html