Spring Gardening 2016 Post #2 Irrigation

Now that spring is slowly but surely springing our way checking and setting up  irrigation is very important here in the high desert of Northern Nevada. Checking each emitter and installing new ones to the plants that have grown large enough to need more water should be on the top of your gardening to do list.



First, make sure all emitters are working, set up each zone and walk plant to plant getting a visual of how much water is coming out. Next add new emitters to plants that have grown large and will need more water. Make sure emitters are spaced all around the root ball as best  possible. Remember, the root ball is round and needs water to the entire system.
Once a month walk your landscape while it is watering to make sure all is working well.

Second hand watering issues. I know many gardeners will be hand watering. Using a soaker hose for larger plants and trees will not only save the plant, but your time. Get a time and once or twice a month soak the area well. The water will get deeper in the soil allowing your roots to move down.


Third, be prepared to make changes to your irrigation as the weather heats up. You may find your plants showing signs of drought stress, these would be leaves curling up or down and dried crispy edges to the leave especially at the top of a plant. Adding more time to each watering should take care of it, or you can hand water on the days your system is off. Once September hits and the days get shorter and cooler the day you can reduce your watering.

Hope these tips keep your garden healthy and productive.

Marnie Brennan. GardenCoach in Reno Nevada