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