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Save water and time with garden watering tips

By Ildiko Sherman

In July, watering the garden frequently becomes a major concern. I have a few suggestions to save water and time.

If possible, water in the morning. Watering in the evening encourages slugs, bugs and disease. Of course, if you must water in the evening, then you must.

Water deeply and less frequently ? this encourages stronger and deeper roots. In other words, don?t just do a light watering every day ? this encourages the roots to remain near the surface, causing the plant to be weaker and dry out faster.

Watering plants in the ground every three to four days should be sufficient for most vegetables, roses, and perennials. Shrubs usually can be ignored unless there is no rain for more than two weeks. Newly planted shrubs should be watered very well at least weekly for the first month. Hydrangeas may need more frequent watering than other shrubs, but not daily. They often droop in the hot afternoons, and then perk up again in the morning.

Water container plants daily. If you are not sure, stick a finger in the soil. If it feels dry, water. Hanging baskets and containers with moss liners need daily watering in hot weather.

Did you mulch?
If you have not mulched yet, do so now. Mulching your beds is one of the best things you can do to conserve water and keep the soil cool and moist under the mulch.

By the way, if you have a sweet gum tree on you property, or near you, the spiny fruits they drop by the hundreds every year make a good mulch that deters slugs and also squirrels. I have seen people sweep up and throw these away ? use them instead.

Adding organic matter to your soil also helps it to absorb and hold water. By organic matter, I mean grass clippings, manure, compost, pulled weeds (without seeds) and kitchen waste.

In the areas where I have added the most organic matter, in partial shade ? the plants almost never need supplemental watering. I favor the dark medium fine hardwood mulch in areas where looks matter. In the vegetable garden, it is fine to use newspaper or straw to mulch.

Keep fertilizing
Continue fertilizing vegetables and annuals with a mixture of fish emulsion, seaweed powder and one tablespoon molasses per gallon of water about every two weeks. Seaweed powder has really made a difference since I began using it a couple of years ago.

My tomatoes and peppers ? both in the ground and in containers have never looked so strong and healthy. I have many nice-looking tomatoes on the verge of turning red and already have harvested some peppers. I also add two tablespoons of Epsom salts mixed with one gallon of water in a watering can and sprinkle leaves and soil well or use in a spray bottle every two to three weeks. Tomatoes and peppers are big feeders and need extra magnesium.

Ildiko Sherman is a local gardener and columnist. Contact her with gardening questions at Ildiko5@earthlink.net or write c/o The Journal, 52 S. Broad St., Middletown, OH 45044.