garden/landscape

at HOME | garden/landscape Proper Watering

By Bethany Beebe

The Fourth of July gives us the chance to celebrate the freedoms we are fortunate to have. To many, the pursuit of happiness, among other things, means maintaining a pride-worthy yard and garden. The challenge of maintaining proper moisture levels despite the warmth and wind can be met with freedom of worry with a plan grounded in good science.

Most plants of the garden need between 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week1. When the garden hose is the source instead of nature, it is best to do fewer waterings that are more thorough instead of going light on the liquid over the course of many applications. Young roots will stay closer to the surface of the soil rather than growing more deeply if they never need to stretch down to find moisture. Then, when drier conditions occur, the closer-to-the-surface roots struggle. Conversely, overwatering prevents needed oxygen from getting to the roots. The City of Fort Wayne also suggests that using less water means fewer chemicals washing into the water supply, creating cleaner rivers while saving money2 .

When watering, trickle or drip-style irrigation is recommended1. With this method, foliage stays dry because water is deposited at the base of the plant. Since many fungi and plant diseases are spread in splashing water, this delivery is preventive. Should you not have a soaker hose to accomplish the task, Purdue Extension suggests morning waterings. Less evaporation with the benefit of quick drying makes this a noteworthy option.

Once you have gone to the time and expense to water properly, keeping that water with the plants that need it is desirable. Mulch will not only keep water in place; it is also prevention against weeds2 .

Taking the task of watering to the next level could mean making landscaping changes. Rain gardens, according to Purdue Extension, are special gardens that filter water from driveways, downspouts and other impervious surfaces4. A normal residential rain garden is between four and eight inches deep and 100-300 square feet. Home to deep-rooted, well-adapted or native Resources: plants that can handle dry and wet conditions, 1 https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/watering-101/ their roots promote water infiltration. Once you 2 https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/Utilities/docs resources/2018_Green_Landscaping_-_mj.pdf 3 https://extension.purdue.edu/article/34739 have selected a spot that drains in 24-48 hours, 4 https://extension.purdue.edu/rainscaping/bioretensionrain-garden/ 5 https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts

personal touches regarding color, function, and wildlife habitat can be made.

For many, a personal touch in the form of residential pride is a green lawn, even during dry conditions. What may seem a drop in the bucket compared to the entire water cycle, the EPA offers that watering the lawn actually has a huge impact. If the average-sized yard were watered 20 minutes each day, seven days each week, the equivalent water consumed would equal taking 800 showers or running the kitchen faucet continually for four days.5