Advice On Watering Plants During The Hot Summer Months

by SuzyQ

posted on 07/07/2009

Summertime is here and that means our gardens are in full bloom. Flowers, shrubs and vegetables are everywhere, and that means more work for us as we try to maintain everything so it is lush, green and healthy. No one can predict what the weather is going to be, so while some areas of the country may be humid and rainy, other areas can be hot and dry. It seems that most of the country lately has had more of a drought than an onslaught of rain, so what follows are some tips for maintaining your garden in what may be a rainless summer.

Mulch
During the hot and dry months of summer, mulch can be your best friend and one of the best way to conserve water and direct it to the spots that need it the most. Spread mulch evenly over garden areas to help retain moisture. If you are growing tomatoes, mulch is a critical component to keeping the plants healthy to eliminate blossom end rot and cracking.

Containers
Container plants are usually kept in a sunny area, so they need to be monitored regularly to ensure they get the correct amount of water each week. Don't overwater, since there is nowhere for the extra water to go. You don't want to stress the plant out.

Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets are very susceptible to the sun and wind, so you may need to check and water any hanging plants three or four times a week.

When to Water
The best time to water your plants is early in the morning, so they can absorb the moisture during optimum temperature conditions and before the hot sun dries the soil. You also want to water as early as possible so any excess water dries from the leaves prior to nightfall. Damp leaves can lead to fungal diseases and plant rot.

Lawns are Special
Grass is genetically programmed to go dormant during hot summer months, so don't overwater your lawn. If you do, you will override the natural dormancy and then need to water it continuously throughout the summer to maintain the shallow root structure that you've trained it to develop. Just leave the lawn alone!

Gardens need about an inch of rain or other water each week to thrive. You can keep the plants hydrated without turning on your hoses by using recycling techniques. Set out a rain barrel and collect water from your downspouts to use in the garden. Reuse sink and bathwater. You can even reuse toilet water, which would add wonderful nutrients to the soil. A trip to your local garden store can give you more specific ideas about how to conserve water. They can also give you other garden-specific advice, based on what geographic part of the country you live in.

Happy Gardening!

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