August 5th

By Mutt Mulligan

Helping Plants Survive Hot August

One more month to go with unrelenting heat.  It’s always good to be reminded of how to water plants ‘strategically’ so that you help them survive and don’t overuse water – quantity does not equal quality when it comes to watering.  The CBS Early Show had a segment on how to save your green spaces.  Some good tips are: 

1. Lawns and gardens need about two inches per week during the height of summer.
2. Water early (near dawn) to reduce water loss through evaporation.
3. Water thoroughly and deeply. Soak the ground to a depth of six inches.
4. Don’t water lawns and landscapes every day. If you water deeply and thoroughly, you won’t have to. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.   Containers (especially hanging baskets and window boxes) are the exception and may require daily soakings.Additionally, they suggest a 2″ layer of mulch around plants to help the soil stay moist, using compost as a mulch and removing weeds since they take water and nutrients away from your plants.    Any tips you’d like to share?