Knowing how to properly water your plants is key to good plant health. Always construct an ample water ring -- a well -- around each plant and be sure to mulch. When it is time to water, fill the water well twice allowing the water to be absorbed completely before filling it a second time. During the dry, hot months of the summer, conventional turf lawns and groundcover beds will need one inch of water every week. Native grass lawns and xeric groundcovers will need once inch every other week. Set out a rain gaauge or coffee can to measure the amount applied.
When you water, soak the soil thoroughly. It is preferable and more efficient to water heavily and less frequently than to water lightly with much greater frequency. Deep watering promotes deep root growth.
When the soil stays wet and the leaves of recent transplants become yellow and chlorinated looking, cut back your watering by half -- not half the amount, but half the frequency. If you are watering every other day, cut back to once every fourth day.
If you are watering regularly but the leaves look wilted all the time, the plant roots are dying of suffocation. Too much water keeps the soil waterlogged and oxygen deficient. If this occurs, pull back the mulch from the plant and let the top inch of the soil dry between watering.
Remember, the difference between too much and too little water can be confusing. But, a general rule is that under-watered plants wilt while over-watered plants yellow.
"I planted xeric Penstemon and watered it that day. I came back two weeks later and it was dead! I thought this plant did not need any extra water." To this we say, "yes and no." No, xeric plants do not need much water once established, but yes, even xeric plants need careful attention to their watering needs during the first growing season. Xeric plants have extensive root systems that pull water from the surrounding soil, but until a new transplant can re-establish its root system, it needs regular irrigation during rainless periods to grow and prosper.
When hand watering on a slope, water until the water is not being absorbed by the soil and begins to run-off. Stop, let it soak in a few minutes and start again. Repeat this process 4 or 5 times until the soil is wet to a depth of 4 or more inches. This technique will reduce the amount of run-off and slope erosion, and will promote deep root growth in your plants which is key to drought-tolerance.
Please remember, plants are living, breathing organisms and they depend upon us for their health, their protection and their survival. Their livelihood is a responsibility not to be taken lightly! With good care, many plants can be life-long companions that bring years of comfort and joy to our lives.
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