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