Watering in Texas Summers
If you have lived through a Summer in Texas, then you know how valuable water is to our landscapes. It is our responsibility to conserve water yet keep our gardens thriving through the heat. If you own a sprinkler system, each zone should be programmed differently depending on the needs of that area and you should always operate it manually.
Established lawns should be watered once every five to seven days, applying about one inch of water each time. This soaking encourages deeper rooting which leads to stronger, healthier plants. Landscape irrigation can account for more than 50% of all water used in Texas during the Summer. Unfortunately, half of that water is lost to run-off or over-watering. So, avoid this loss by monitoring how long you water each area and that all your equipment is functioning correctly.
Shrubs and flowerbeds may require more watering depending on the age of the plant material. A good test is to dig down 4 to 6 inches and feel the soil. If the soil is dry, a good deep watering is in order. Plants in full sun will require more moisture as well as those growing in containers. Please remember, any newly planted tree or shrub requires hand watering for that first year.
The best time of day to water is early morning before the temperatures begin to rise. Also, early mornings tend to be a time of lower winds and thus reduced evaporation.
Mulching is an excellent way to retain moisture. It will also insulate the soil surface from the direct rays of the sun and prevent weeds from germinating. Apply a two to three inch layer of mulch to all beds, plantings and containers.
We can all enjoy a colorful and green landscape during the Summer! For more information, stop by any of our Calloway’s stores or visit our website, www.calloways.com.
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