Being Water Wise and Protecting Plants During Times of Drought.

Responsible watering practices entail more than just the water you use and when you use it. Here are a few items to help you conserve water and help your plants survive this dry spell.

• Mulch all shrubs and trees heavily with 2 to 3 inches of mulch, this is important in conserving soil moisture and keeping roots cool to reduce the stress on the plants. Perennials are greatly improved by mulching as well.
• Water deeply and slowly allowing time for the water to soak into the ground and applying it at a rate that produces minimal runoff.
• All plants should be watered thoroughly before mulching and a slow release fertilizer added at this time would be beneficial as well.
• The best time to water is in the morning. The water has the best chance of soaking into the ground and the plants can utilize the water during the heat of the day. If this is not possible, make sure to water in the evening when the sun has gone from the area.
• Do not allow established, mature trees to dry out during times when rain has been infrequent. Even well established trees can die because they did not receive enough water. All it takes to keep them alive is one deep watering a week.

Now Is The Time To…

• Be sure with the warm dry weather that we are having that all of your plants are watered on a regular basis. They will probably need water every day. Watering in the early morning is best.
• For healthy tomato fruit to develop, they need to be evenly watered.
• Despite hot dry weather, weeds are growing vigorously this time of year. If you did not apply a pre-emergent weed inhibitor to your flower gardens, you will need to stay ahead of the weeds.
• Summer Lawn Care:
  • Your lawn also needs water in this hot dry weather. Be sure lawns get around 1 inch of water per week. A good deep 1 inch soaking once a week is better than light more frequent watering.
  • As with your flowers, trees and shrubs, lawns should also be watered in the early morning.
  • Please be aware that many cities have watering restrictions with regard to lawn watering. Be sure to check with the city in which you live regarding any restrictions they may have in place.
  • With less frequent rains, put your mower on a higher setting. Mowing less frequently and not as short, helps shade the grass and it takes less water. Never cut more than 1/3rd of the grass blade off when mowing.
  • Keep lawn mower blades sharp so they cut the grass cleanly. Tearing grass makes it more susceptible to disease.

• Starting around mid-July, cut back on the amount of high nitrogen fertilizer being applied to trees, shrubs, and perennials. Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth and soon our plants will start storing energy for next years growth. We do not want to force new growth.
• Be sure you fertilize your annuals every couple of weeks with a good bloom booster fertilizer such as Linder’s Pro Thrive fertilizer.
• For a successful Rose program, roses will need regular applications of a specialized rose food to ensure they reach their full size potential and produce abundant flowers. Feeding will also strengthen plants against pests, disease, and severe winter cold. Don’t forget to water your roses from the base to reduce diseases.
• Now is the time to add that garden statue, birdbath or pond you have had your heart set on. Linder’s has a great selection of garden accessories for any size garden.
• Sit back, grab a cold glass of lemonade and ENJOY all the beautiful color in your garden!

Be sure and stop in to Linder’s and pick up any items for your watering needs.

If you have questions or problems, our helpful customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We want you to be a successful gardener with less work!