Make Your Watering Plan A Smart One

We have entered into the third phase of Inland Northwest weather — hot. The first two, of course, are cold and cool.

With temperatures soaring into the high 80s and 90s coupled with drying winds, the majority of our garden flora is in need of one thing only — water.

As for the lawn, you’ve heard the rule over and over — water deeply, and infrequently. What does this mean? Depending upon the type of sprinkler and soil, we may be watering 30 minutes or 90 minutes at a time, and then hopefully not watering those areas again for about three days. This method of watering encourages deep roots, which in turn need less water.

However, this practice should not be started now if it hasn’t been applied right along, specifically since early spring. If you’ve been watering 15 to 20 minutes every day, the roots of the lawn will be shallow. Without a constant supply of water, they’ll simply dry up and die.

If you must water the lawn every day, water early in the morning or in the evening to prevent water loss through evaporation. When the days become shorter and cooler, begin watering the lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots for next year.

Most evergreens, with the exception of the broadleaf rhododendrons, azaleas and the like, are drought tolerant. They don’t require daily soakings. An inch of water per week should satisfy them.

Of course, there are always exceptions. If evergreens are young or newly planted, the roots should be kept moist, until they’re established. Usually this takes about three years. Broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons and the like should be watered frequently since their leaves require a lot of water and their roots are quite shallow.

Evergreens also benefit from their leaves and needles being washed with water. Not only does it cool the leaf surface, but water on the leaves slows evaporation and transpiration. Wetting the foliage also helps to keep them clean of dust which in turn encourages photosynthesis and discourages spider mites.

During these hot days, we are encouraged to mulch our plants with grass clippings, bark, compost, straw or any other suitable materials. But too much of a good thing can be detrimental to the plants.

Plant roots have a tendency to grow up into the thick mulch, leaving them right at surface level where they may dry and die.

Excessive amounts of mulch may also affect the soil moisture and the aeration. A good rule of thumb is to never apply more than 4 inches of mulch to the soil and make sure the soil is wet before applying the material. Also keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the trunks of trees and shrubs. Mulch piled up against trunks can smother them and encourage rot. Thick mulch can also make ideal living quarters for mice and slugs.

Mulch is an important tool in our garden. Use it to protect plant roots and control weeds. Just don’t use too much.

Wildfires

We hear the warnings over and over again: Hot, dry, windy days are key ingredients for potential wildfires. We can protect our property with regular landscape maintenance.

Clean up fallen leaves, needles and other litter. Keep natural grasses mowed and underbrush thinned out and under control. Prune out all dead branches and remove all dead plants.

Keep the roof and gutters cleaned of all leaves and needles.

Create a green zone with a wide belt of lawn and healthy drought tolerant plants.

Work with neighbors to clear common areas between houses.

Try to keep the crowns of trees at least 10 feet apart.

And finally, maintain the driveway for fire-crew access by clearing plant material away by at least 10 feet on either side.

With a little planning and muscle on your part, you may be able to protect your property against the ravages of fire.

Upcoming events

The Spokane Iris Society will host its annual iris sale Saturday at Northwest Seed and Pet at 7302 N. Division.

A culinary herb workshop sponsored by IEL Continuing Education will be Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The class will be presented by Doris Delatte at Homestead Horticulture, 38715 N. Madison Rd., Elk, Wash.

Delatte will also offer a craft herb workshop on Aug. 16 and Aug. 19. All three classes are $14 each. Please call IEL at 533-3770 for more information.

The Friends of Manito and the WSU Master Gardeners will host a tour of the Duncan Gardens Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. The tour is free.

The Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane will sponsor their 15th annual garden tour Sunday. Please note accompanying article.