Watering Tip #7 CHANGING WATERING SCHEDULES

Now that we are in the beginning of what is shaping up to be a hot summer conserving water should be at the top of the list for garden chores. If you haven't already, reducing the amount of water you are using will help conserve much needed water for later in the season.  It is time to make every gallon count.

My approach has been to reduce the water I am using by one-third. This is done by making sure all my plants are healthy. I have already fed my plants worm castings earlier this year. 

Worm Castings have an amazing nutrient package that, when added to soils, carry a diverse population of microbial life. Adding casting will increase diversity of beneficial organisms in soils, promote soil structure and aid in disease and pest suppression. Worm castings have even more beneficial microbes than composts that are worm free. Nutrients from worms casting are highly soluble which means they are broken down by water. With a liquid application the plant can benefit quickly and continually with the readily available nutrients that won’t burn roots. Applying casting 3 to 4 times a year will fortify soils for continued use and health in the garden. These casting will not burn your plants like synthetic fertilizers can.   

 Next I went to my system and cut 1/3 of the water from all of the 6 zones. From the mature trees to my lawn all of them are getting less water. The trees in the back are now on a 2 day a week 1 hour schedule, last year it was 3 days a week. 

My other zones are reduced from 30 minutes 3 times a week to 20 minutes 3 times a week.

My lawn is getting water every day, but I have cut the time from 24 minutes to 18, by the way it does not look like it did in spring, it looks yellow and a bit dry, but still alive. Once it cools down in early fall it will green up again. 

If I should notice wilting I will either water once or twice with the hose, or add a few more minutes to the zone. 

This is also a perfect time to check all of the emitters and system making sure it is functioning correctly. Replace what is needed and fix any leaks making sure the water gets to where it is needed. 

Here is a problem I have with rabbits, they chew on 1/4 inch line,  I try to bury it as best as I can. 

I hope this helps with watering this season, lets hope for a wet fall and lots of snow this winter. 

Marnie 

gardencoachinreno@gmail.com 

Watering Tip #3 TUNE UP THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Emitters 

Now that our water systems are up and running making sure that all of the emitters and sprinkler are functional is essential to saving water and keep the plants healthy.

We are in a drought, but as a high desert gardener I am always conserving were I can.

Repairs should be made as soon as possible and turn water off to areas no longer needed. 

Make good watering decision while shopping at the garden center. Look for water thrifty plants and make sure to add amend or compost to the planting. A healthy plant uses less water and is able to fight off pest and disease.  

Lawn Sprinkler 

Turf grass will use the bulk of your water, it is one thirsty plant. Make sure your lawn is getting even watering, and if you are on a well keep the sprinklers clean. If your system goes on when you can’t see it make sure to turn it on from time to time and watch. Make any adjustments to get water to every area. It won’t take long for your lawn to show stress from a lack of water.

Kellogg Organic Lawn Fertilizer

 Fast acting for all season feeding of all types of grasses

       Feeds blades & roots to green lawn quickly
      Gentle formula won't burn lawn

             Safe for areas where kids & pets play

You can find this new hose end organic fertilizer at Home Depot

for under $12.00.

Saving water in the high desert is something we need to do everyday, not just when we are in a drought. These small changes and repairs will ensure every gallon of water is used wisely.

Watering in the hottest weather

June has just arrived and we are already expecting 100° temperatures this week, it is a bit early for this to be sure. Let’s make sure we are all clear on how to water in the high desert. Make sure you continue to water regularly, and help your plants with extra water as needed. Water you lawns in the early morning, check emitters (hope you aren’t tired of hearing that), walk your gardens and landscape checking to see if you have stressed plants.

Here is a photo of my lilac that has a ‘flagged’ leaf; it is folded like a taco shell. The leaf will do this in the cool evening and that is normal. But if you should see this during the day the plant needs to be hydrated. 

The plant does this to protect itself from the sun. This is when a quick drench with your hose is very effective.

If you plants are dropsy, same thing get them some water. It is important to know newly planted items will droop more quickly than established plants.

There are 3 ways to get more water to plants, here they are.

Hand watering: You are allowed and should be done in the early morning, or late afternoon when is cools down. Containers and edibles will benefit nicely.

Adding emitters: As you shrubs and trees grow you will want to add emitters. I recommend that when planting any tree or shrub that is in a 5 gallon or larger gets 4 emitters. Place in the clock positions, 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The root ball is round and so should the watering.  

Changing your system: If you see that your plants are struggling regularly you can change your system to either add time or add another day to your program; you can always change it back. I am changing my system as needed during the season, welcome to the high desert! 

Weather and Watering

Watering is the number one reason why plants struggle, and then die.  We have reached the time of the year when you should be watering regularly; and there may come a time when your edible gardens and containers will need daily watering. 

Counting on rain showers is risky in the high desert.  We have experienced days of wet weather when sun was predicted and dry hot winds when there was a strong change of rain.  I have also noted differences between weather reports making this topic even more challenging. 

In this photo I am giving the area of my lawn that has dried out from the daily dry winds a short soaking. I will do this once a week as needed.  
    

Here are a few suggestions to help with proper watering.

  ●   Keep plants healthy with organic nutrients (more to follow on this)

  ●   Watch the weather and be ready to cover for the cold or the heat

  ●   Check irrigation system and emitters regularly

  ●   Water as needed, even if you have to drag a hose out

  ●   Plant in the correct sun light for the plants needs 

Irrigation, let’s make is a bit easier

Like pruning irrigation in the high desert has many layers and topics to cover. Today I would like to cover how to make repairing and adding new irrigation lines to your system easier. For those of you who are just getting started with a system it might feel like you are chasing your tail, but you aren’t. Checking your system regularly is very important ensuring your plants get watered properly. 

Before 

Those of you with a well may have other  challenges that are be a bit more cumbersome. From finding the right filter to using the best emitters, it takes time and patience.

So today it is how to make this job easier, a great tool box. Today I changed mine with one I found at a home improvement store and I hope it is the perfect box. The important thing is you don’t have to lock it to carry eliminating the chance of dumping all of the parts in the soil. Next it should have many spaces with easy access. I will be out tomorrow replacing my emitters and enjoying my new tool box. 

More irrigation information soon,

After 

Happy Gardening