Watering garden can be tricky

I recently moved here from the coast. I noticed that the automatic sprinkling system seems to bring out the weeds in the vegetable garden. This automatic system is new to me. I generally watered just when needed before because of all the rain. Also overhead sprinkling was a no-no because of the mildew-disease problems on the vegetables. Any comments?

Kristi Hensley, Spokane Valley

Managing garden watering on this side of the Cascades is a bit different. The dry season on the coast is short and cool enough that most people can get by watering as needed. When we get 100-degree temperatures and 20-percent humidity for weeks on end, “as needed” becomes all the time. Hence many gardeners use some form of automated system to keep the plants alive. An automated system can be a full blown, in-ground system or something as simple as one of the new, moderately priced electronic timers that go on the faucet and then hook to your garden sprinkler. They turn the water on and off according to the schedule you set. Look for them at garden stores or online.

Overhead sprinkling does increase chances of diseases moving in even in our drier climate. Overhead sprinkling is also a very inefficient way to water. Look into some of the new drip irrigation systems that put water right to the plants. Because the weeds aren’t getting the water, they don’t come up. Add a mulch, and you will eliminate most of the weeds and conserve even more water. Drip systems come with a wide variety of drippers and microspray heads so you can fit them into almost any garden situation even in pots on a deck. Again, they are available at garden stores and online.

When to plant

Since I moved here, I’ve been told that annuals go in the ground on Mother’s Day or when the snow is gone from Mount Spokane, whichever comes first. Any truth to that?

Christy Bristow, Spokane

Most annuals can go in the ground as early as Mother’s Day as long as the weather has warmed a bit, and I have seen it snow as late as on Bloomsday. It is always a good idea though, to have some sheets or plastic at hand to quickly cover things if a frost is forecast. Impatiens and marigolds are a little frost sensitive, so it might be a good idea to wait an additional week to plant them. If you buy plants early, keep them in their flats in a protected spot and water them regularly.

As to planting when the snow is off Mount Spokane: I’d opt to plant when the snow is off Mica Peak, which about 2,000 shorter. It’s the tall peak southeast of Spokane Valley. Mount Spokane is about 6,000 feet, and it will be well into June this year before all the snow melts off.