Summer Garden Watering Tips

As temperatures rise, our plants need a little extra TLC. Below are a few simple watering tips to ensure your plants can go the distance!

KNOW YOUR SOIL Sandy = Drains quickly and will need frequent watering.
Clay = Holds water but will crack if it gets too dry.
Test your soil like a cake, using a wooden dowel. Clean? Too dry, water NOW! Muddy? Too wet. Damp? Just right.
WATER APPROPRIATELY
One of the best ways to water in the heat is DEEP WATERING. Lower the water intensity and increase the length of time. Whether you turn on a watering system, run a hose or sprinkler, or water by hand with a shower head... take your time and let the water soak in well. For example:
Hanging Baskets - Make sure water is dripping out of the bottom
Planters - Thoroughly water for size of planter
Trees and Shrubs - Run a soaker hose for ~30 minutes
Vegetable gardens - Run a sprinkler for ~an hour.

Try to water early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid scorching your leaves during the hottest part of the day.

PRO TIP: If you've forgotten to water for a few days and your hanging basket is now a hard clump of soil, try soaking it in a bucket to moisten and loosen that soil!
SPOT THE HEAT STRESS Wilting, cracked soil, or crispy leaves can all signal that your plants need more water.
On the flip side, yellowing leaves, limp stems or signs of rot can be a sign of overwatering.

Follow these tips, and you will have thriving plants all summer long!

Have more questions? Stop in and talk to one of our associates or give us a call!

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