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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
January 17, 2014
Garden survival in a dry year Our upcoming spring and summer will hold many challenges for us in the yard. With our winter’s rain totals being what they are, it doesn’t quite stir in us the “let’s get out and plant” vibe. Rather, it creates a surge of anxiety. What should I plant that needs less water? What steps can I take to make my existing landscape and garden happy during dry spells? Local water officials aren’t talking about mandatory rationing yet, but it is our best interest to be more responsible with our water usage. I do understand how our water use is measured and compared from one year to the next. Therefore I am not asking you to cut back so much on your watering that you jeopardize to beauty of your landscape. I am encouraging you to water wisely and waste less. Rainwater: Look for a way to capture rainwater. Rain barrels have come a long way. They are now attractive and functional. Place them under downspouts. The rainwater that runs off the rood can be captured
WATER
BARRELS
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL and used to water containers and other non-irrigated areas. Irrigation: Has your irrigation been evaluated in the past year? The Contra Costa Water District will visit and give you an irrigation checkup. They call it a Home Water Use Survey, and it is free. Fertilizers: We must consider how much and the strength of the fertilizers that we use on our gardens and landscapes this spring. Fertilizing to surge a lot of growth means our plants will demand and need more water to look happy. If you haven’t done so already, this may be the year you switch to organic fertilizers. Compare the numbers on the bags and boxes of organic and synthetic fertilizers, you’ll notice that the organic products have a touch less of almost everything. You can still use a multi-purpose fertilizer on your landscape, but rather using a 20-20-20, consider a 8-4-4 or a 5-5-5.
can be both attractive and functional.
Penetration: Throughout the years I have been mentioning the use of water penetrates to help guide water from the top of our soil to the roots of our plants. If you haven’t used such a product yet, doing so in early spring and a couple of other times through the growing season is all that you will need to really help the water that you use go where it needs to go. These products are water-soluble and need to be watered in by hand or with a hose-end sprayer. Monterey Lawn and Garden has a product called Perc-O-Late Plus available. It is easy to find and proven to work. Please follow package directions, ask questions of sale personnel, or call Monterey Lawn and Garden directly. They are wonderful on the phone. Soil Conditioners: Work soil conditioners around garden beds and landscape borders now before spring. Soil conditioners serve a purpose by adding nutrients to the soil, and they create an environment more accepting of water and oxygen. Choose soil conditioners with natural ingredients like earthworm castings (which are also sold alone), and mushroom compost. Both of these ingredients help soil hold its moisture naturally. Choose plants wisely. There are many plants to consider that need less water to survive. When choosing plants to install make sure you are grouping plants with like needs together. My next few columns will feature perennials, shrubs and trees that thrive with less water. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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