| WATERING TIPS
By Tyler
Given the lack of snow on the North Shore Mountains this year, it is likely Vancouverites will be facing watering restrictions this summer. These restrictions may take a toll on your garden and lawn if you are not careful. We have scoured the web to get some tips to keep your greenery looking, well… green.
1. Early morning is the best time of day to water your plants: Most people water during the hottest part of the day, thinking that this will help out their poor parched plants. Unfortunately, that means that most of the water evaporates with hardly any getting down to the roots. Or you may think it's best to water late in the day, when things have cooled down. The problem here is that the soil will stay moist all night, setting up a nice environment for fungus to grow. The best time to water is early morning (between approximately 4 and 6 am) when the soil is cool and the water will be able to get down to the roots. You can do it while you have your first cup of coffee, or set the sprinklers on a timer if you don't get up that early!
2. Stay on top of your weeding: Weeds, which also need water to grow, will compete with the plants in your garden for water and nutrients in the soil. The cleaner you keep your garden, the more water and soil nutrients make it to the plants you purposely grew in your garden rather than the ones you don't want there.
3. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed: Cut off all the lower limbs and branches. These "sucker" limbs take away water from the rest of the plant.
4. Before watering, always take into account the amount of water Mother Nature has supplied to your lawn or garden in the preceding week. Leave a measuring container in the yard to help you monitor the amount of rainfall (empty it once per week).
5. Set up your sprinkler or hose to avoid watering hard surfaces such as driveways and patios. If you're not careful, it is water and money down the drain.
6. Water slowly to avoid run-off and to ensure the soil absorbs the water and regularly check your hose or irrigation equipment for leaks or blockages.
7. Collect rainwater from your roof in a rain barrel or other large container and keep it covered with an insect screen. Direct the down spout of your eaves troughs into the rain barrel.
8. Choose an efficient irrigation system. A soaker hose placed at the base of plants on the ground applies water to the soil where it is needed — rather than to the leaves — and reduces evaporation. Drip or trickle irrigation systems are highly efficient because they deliver water slowly and directly to the roots under the soil surface. This promotes deeper roots, which improve a plant's drought resiliency. If you use a sprinkler, choose one with a timer and that sprays close to the ground.
9. For your lawn, apply about 2.5 cm (1 in.) of water not more than once per week and skip a week after a good rain. The correct amount can be estimated by placing an empty tuna can on your lawn as you apply water evenly across the surface. When the water level reaches the top of the can, you've applied about 2.5 cm (1 in.) of water which is all your lawn needs. You can time how long it takes to reach this level, then set the timer on your sprinkler.
10. Apply a layer of mulch to your garden beds. About 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) deep over the soil surface of the garden to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, control erosion and suppress weeds. Wood chips, bark and crushed rock are just a few of the materials that can be used as mulch.
11. For your lawn, water thoroughly. Deep watering (noted in #9) is better than frequent, shallow watering because it encourages deep roots.
12. Don't water your lawn excessively. When it's waterlogged, it may turn yellow and develop fungus and diseases. Oxygen and mineral uptake may be restricted on heavy clay soils. Too much watering can also lead to thatch and fertilizer leaching.
13. Aerate your lawn once a year in the early spring or fall to improve water penetration. Afterwards, top-dress by applying a thin layer (max. 15 mm — 0.6 in.) of organic material and rake to distribute evenly. You can over-seed after this to help thicken the lawn.
Sources:
HGTV
and
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
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