Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Potential water bans mean gardeners need to be smart about watering

With water bans in effect in several states last year and another dry year being predicted, gardeners need to be smart about watering. When it comes to watering, how you do it can be more important than if you do it. In fact, improper watering can do more harm than good, and there are many things gardeners can do to avoid having to water at all. Here are five tips from Kathy LaLiBerte, a gardening expert from Gardener's Supply of Burlington, Vt., that will allow gardeners to have an abundant harvest, beautiful flowers and green lawn even if rain is scarce.

1. Prep your soil. Plants need a continuous supply of moisture, which they extract from the soil particles that surround tiny root hairs. If soil is too sandy, water rushes away; if there's too much clay, water collects and can drown roots by keeping them from getting oxygen. To create a rich, crumbly, water-retentive soil, work plenty of organic matter such as composted cow manure or leaves, peat moss, or green manures into beds before you plant. Be sure to prep beds at least 18 inches deep and break up any compacted soil so roots can grow freely in search of moisture over a wide area.

2. Use mulch. Planting thickly and using mulches helps shade the soil and keep available moisture from evaporating. Chipped bark, straw, grass clippings, cocoa hulls and compost are all effective as mulch. However, when using bark or anything else that does not break down readily, be sure to apply no more than an inch or it may keep water from percolating down to the soil where it's needed. Mulches made from organic materials add valuable nutrients to the soil as they degrade.

3. Plant appropriately. Consider planting varieties that are drought resistant and appropriate to your geographic area and climate. In addition, cluster plants that have similar moisture needs. For example, many herbs, plants with hairy or gray leaves, and sun-loving perennials such as coreopsis and yarrow do better in a sunny, fairly dry bed. Keep moisture-loving plants like roses and classic perennials such as delphiniums and peonies together in a bed that can be watered more frequently.

4. Minimize wind. Wind can suck moisture out of soil and plant leaves faster than the blazing sun. Plant or set up wind breaks that allow the sun in, but shield plants from strong winds in exposed garden areas.

5. Measure moisture. Before turning on the sprinkler, determine how much water your plants really need. Especially if you've been following the advice above, you might be surprised how much moisture your beds retain, even when it hasn't rained for a week or more. Dig down into the top 12 inches of soil and make sure it's dry before you water. If you do water with a sprinkler, put a bucket out to measure how much water is falling onto the ground. Water in the morning so plants have the resources they need to face the noontime sun. Watering in the morning also helps reduce fungus and disease problems, because the foliage has a chance to dry before nightfall.

The following tips will also help you conserve water:

1. Water infrequently but deeply. Roots grow where the moisture is. If you only water the top couple of inches of soil, that's where the roots will stay. If you water deeply, they'll extend their reach and be more able to withstand occasional dry spells in the future. Be sure to water long enough for moisture to reach at least a foot into the soil.

2. Put the water where it's needed. Plants take up water with their roots, so this is where the water should go. Build small dams around the base of your vegetable plants to act as catch basins, and direct the hose or watering can onto the ground, not over the top of your plants. Apply water slowly so it soaks into the soil, rather than rushing away over the top.

3. Choose a water-wise sprinkler for watering. Sprinklers can waste a lot of water through evaporation and by scattering moisture to areas that may not need it. There are a variety of water-wise sprinklers available, but also consider using soaker hoses for beds and water spikes for individual plants.

4. Weed, wait, cultivate. Reduce competition for water resources by keeping your garden well-weeded. Wait until plants show signs of distress, such as limp leaves, before watering; most plants will quickly recover. Break up compacted soil so water will absorb into it rather than run off.

Following even some of these good watering practices can reduce water consumption and time consumption by as much as 50 percent. This savings is particularly important when hot weather arrives and many communities begin implementing water bans.

Here are some other products from Gardener's Supply that can help keep your garden green while conserving water. To get water directly to the roots, use Gardener's Supply's Aqua Cones. They provide an economical method to get moisture directly where and when it's needed. Recycled plastic soda bottles hold the water and the flow can be adjusted for any type of soil. They're also useful for plants such as roses that are prone to mildew or black spot if the leaves get wet. Aqua Cones cost $12.50 for six or $20 for 12.

WaterWells are a new product from Australia where professional landscapers plant trees in large wells to ensure that nutrients and water get to the roots without running off. WaterWells give your plants the same benefit without all the digging. They hold water, fertilizer and mulch to prevent wasteful runoff, keep out weeds, and protect trees from the string trimmer. They "unzip" for use on both new and established plantings. Made of recycled plastic, they are excellent for slopes and poor soils. Water Wells cost $19.95 for a set of three and measure 19 inches in diameter and 7 1/2 inches high.

Self-watering patio gardens, window boxes and hanging planters use water effectively by watering from the roots up and are a great way to save water and time. A built-in reservoir holds up to four gallons of water and fertilizer so plants get all the moisture and food they need, easily and consistently. Self-watering patio and hanging garden containers range in size and style and cost from $14.95 to $59.95.

The Noodlehead sprinkler has 12 individual nozzles that can be positioned independently to direct water precisely where it's needed up to 15 feet away. It's especially effective for watering irregular beds, and in windy areas since the nozzles can be positioned to aim low, directly onto the soil. The Noodlehead sprinkler is 3 1/4 inches in diameter and costs $19.95.

Gardener's Supply has offered the Hydro-Grow soaker hose system since 1984, and its easy, efficient performance has made it a customer favorite. A new mini soaker hose is perfect for perennial beds. It's available in 50 and 100-foot lengths and comes with end caps and hose fittings. The mini soaker hose is less bulky and perfect for weaving through raised beds or perennial gardens.

Soaker hoses work most effectively on relatively level ground, for runs up to 100 feet. If lack of rainfall is a problem in your area, or if you are often on water rationing, a soaker hose is a great solution. The Hydro-Grow hose costs $19.95 for 50 feet or costs $37.95 for 100 feet. The mini soaker hose costs $11.95 for 25 feet.

Commercial landscapers rely on Terra-Sorb to protect plants in heat-stressed, drought-prone areas like city parks and traffic medians. This nontoxic gel absorbs up to 200 times its weight in water, and then releases it gradually as plants need it. And because Terra Sorb is potassium-based instead of sodium-based, it breaks down into fertilizer instead of soil-damaging salts. This environmentally-friendly mix is offered exclusively by Gardener's Supply. Terra-Sorb costs $10.95 for a one-pound jar and $39.95 for a five-pound jar. One pound would cover 100 square feet in the garden, and one teaspoon is needed per gallon of soil in containers.

To ensure that you make use of all the rainwater that comes your way, a Rain Saver water barrel can collect rain and roof run off. It's a heavy duty, 50-gallon, recycled plastic barrel that has an angled, locking lid to catch every raindrop while keeping out critters and kids. The Rain-Saver water barrel costs $59.99, and the deluxe rain barrel costs $125 or $225 for two barrels and a linking kit.

Visit the Gardening Info section at www.gardeners.com for more information on water-wise gardening, or call (800) 955-3370 for a free water-wise bulletin and catalog.

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