Watering Tips

Watering is one of the toughest topics to cover. Weather related circumstances are changing all the time. (We cannot always rely on rainy days and light, 10 minute sprinkles do not count). Not only that, but each garden has its own soil conditions, elevation or lack of, and exposure to the sun. In addition, there are thousands of different types of plants which require different amounts of water. Here are some generalized rules. 
    
When shrubs are new, they need the most attention. It takes shrubs several years to get rooted and well established, you have to pay attention to them for some time. When purchasing shrubs, you are making an investment. Trees in particular; watering properly is part and parcel of that investment. As the seasons change your watering habits on your shrubs will change.

Watering is not as simple as waiting until a plant wilts, although that is a sure sign that you have neglected to give your plant water! Different plants have different watering needs – some are quite drought tolerant. Plants with large leaves (hydrangea, rhododendron) or with shallow root systems (azalea, dogwood), are usually the first to suffer during drought periods. Shrubs under large trees are also susceptible, because of the large volumes of water taken up by the larger tree roots. Plants are more prone to suffer from drought during their first two growing seasons after transplanting. Late spring or summer transplants are the most susceptible, because their roots have a shorter time to become established prior to summer stress. When there is an extended period without rain during the summer, new plants should be watered regularly.

Frequent light watering of shrubs in particular, wastes water and does little to satisfy the water requirements.  This leads to development of a shallow root system, thus increasing susceptibility to drought. We usually recommend less frequent, but deeper watering schedules for shrubs and trees. Light, twenty to thirty minute waterings for lawns, annuals and some perennials via sprinkler systems is great for the shallower rooted plants, but does little for the deeper rooted shrubs and trees.

On the other hand, you do not want to flood and cause rot or mold in your garden by running your sprinkler system for hours. We recommend condensation or soaker hoses for trees and shrubs. Condensation hoses or soaker hoses are similar, but are made of a porous material that lets water gently leak through in all directions. These hoses are generally buried under mulch or dirt to allow for better watering of deeper roots. They supply water in your garden directly where it is needed.

As with all your gardening needs, Van Bourgondien Nursery is here to help your garden grow! Happy Gardening!