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Community Corner

Watering 101: Tips For Helping Your Garden Survive A Drought

Effective Watering Takes Time

Water. It’s an essential part of every healthy garden. Watering should be the easiest part of your maintenance routine but you’d be surprised how many gardeners have no idea how to correctly water their plants. An established garden typically needs about an inch of water each week to thrive. Since drought conditions seem to be an inevitable part of our summers, Connecticut gardeners can’t rely on Mother Nature to do their watering for them. So it’s crucial to learn proper watering techniques.

Watering 101

Effective watering takes time. You must thoroughly drench the soil right down to the root zone. For most perennials, that means saturating the soil to a depth of three–four-inches. For shrubs and trees you’ll need to water more deeply, to a depth of about six-inches. A light daily sprinkling of water over the tops of plants actually encourages roots to grow up towards the surface rather than down deep into the ground. Shallow-rooted plants are not very drought tolerant so this technique often perpetuates the need for supplemental watering. 

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When watering trees, shrubs and large perennials, place a hose, turned on to a slow trickle, at the base of the plant and walk away. Have a well of soil around the plant so the water runs straight down into the ground, not away from the root zone. Come back in 15–20 minutes and use a trowel to gently check and make sure the soil is completely drenched. For smaller perennials and annuals, a watering can may be a good option. Removing the rose from the spout makes it easier to direct water right to the roots.

Overhead or Drip?

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Overhead watering covers a large area at once but it is inefficient. Between wind evaporation, inconsistent coverage and deflection by leaves, precious little water reaches the root zone. Not to mention wet leaves can promote fungal diseases. You’re better off delivering water directly to the soil. A simple, inexpensive way to do that is with soaker hoses.

Soaker hoses, laid on top of the soil or buried several inches below, apply water right where it’s needed. Weave hoses around the base of shrubs and trees and throughout your perennial beds. Before you cover them with mulch, make sure they are adequately watering each of your plants.

Other Weapons in the Watering War

Every gardener needs a rain gauge so you know exactly how much rain water has fallen in your garden. Place it in an open area away from buildings, trees or other and plants that might affect an accurate reading.

Healthy soil, rich in organic matter, is another effective way to fight drought. Use generous amounts of compost at planting time and top-dress your garden with compost each year. Healthy soil holds water and nutrients and contributes to your plants’ overall good health, allowing them to be more tolerant of drought conditions.

And don’t forget the mulch. A layer of organic material, such as shredded bark, leaves or hay, helps soil retain moisture, slows surface evaporation and, as it slowly breaks down, it also feeds the soil.

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