From the Ground Up: With wet weather gone, know your garden’s watering needs

Summer is in full swing and it's getting a bit dry. We had wet weather this spring and early Summer, but now it's time to water? And how do I water when I'm on vacation?

Keep general rules for watering in mind.

Water thoroughly. It's best to water deeply and less often. Watering deeply encourages plant roots to go deep into the soil, while shallow watering creates shallow roots. Slow watering is better than fast watering.

New plants in the garden need more water. New trees, shrubs and perennials should be watered deeply at least once a week until they are well established, which may be a few years.

Know your soil. Sandy soils require frequent watering, while clay or loam soils hold moisture and don't need water as often.

Water efficiently. If using a sprinkler, early morning is the best time to water, allowing the water to soak deeply into the ground with little evaporation. Watering at midday is less efficient, and watering in the evening or during the night with a sprinkler may increase disease problems. Mornings and evenings are best when using a drip irrigation system or soaker hose.

Water the roots of plants, not leaves; water on leaves evaporates, watering the roots goes directly into the soil.

Annuals tend to have shallow root systems and bloom continuously so they need water more often. Water when the soil is about 90 percent dry (not completely dry). You can buy a water meter, or check the soil with your hands to feel down about an inch or so for a good gage on moisture.

Plants in containers need water almost every day because they don't have extensive root systems and soil in the containers dries out fast.

To help retain moisture mulch garden beds. Use organic materials such as grass clippings, straw, and shredded leaves. Wood chips, bark, and ground corncobs are good mulches for perennial beds and trees and shrubs.

Some tips for plants left behind while you are on vacation:

' Water thoroughly before you leave.

' Place plants in the shade if you can, to keep from drying out fast.

' Sink small pots in the soil to keep the roots cool and conserve moisture.

' Soaker hoses and sprinklers with timers are a good solution if you are going to be gone a long time.

' Self-watering systems can be used to keep container plants from drying out. Search online for easy and inexpensive ways to make these devices from glass bottles or 2-liter plastic bottles. Every garden is different. Figuring out the water needs of your garden while you're gone takes some time, but it's worth it to find healthy happy plants when you return.

' Jean Murray is a Linn County Master Gardener. For answers to your garden questions, call the Linn County Extension Hortline at (319) 447-0647.