Winter Watering

The weather has given some of us a false sense of spring, but don't get fooled. Hopefully we will have more rain and snow, we desperately need it.

In the meantime watering the short rooted plants and emerging bulbs is a way to make sure they are healthy and give you those all important beautiful blooms. Check to see how wet or dry the area is, use your finger and if the tip inch or two is dry water.

Here are some simple rules:

• Water early afternoon, the soil has warmed up will let the water move into the root zone and deeper in the soil profile before the cold night-time temperatures.
• Use a water wand or a bubblier so you don’t make holes, you want to keep the roots safe from freezing temperatures.
• Drain your hose when you're finished.
• Don’t feed your plants just yet; the early spring blooms such as forsythia and daffodils would love nutrients once they set bloom. I use worm casting or an organic fertilizer for flowers.
• Mark your calendar so you know when your plants are getting moisture, I would water these plants every 10 to 14 days. 

See, pretty easy, but so important. Keep in touch and don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

Marnie GardenCoach Reno Nevada

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.