Summer is already here with us! However, as you plan for the holidays, you must not forget to take care of your lawns and gardens as well. Below are summer gardening tips that you can use to keep your garden green while cutting down on your water bills.
Choose the right tools
Most people use a garden hose and nozzle when watering their plants. However, these tools are the least efficient as far as conserving water is concerned. Apparently, so much water is lost as runoff and through evaporation when using a standard garden hose. With this in mind, you should go for a sprinkler wand or a soaker hose to help minimize the amount of water lost.
Avoid over-watering
Most gardeners assume that plants need more water during summer. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Overwatering your garden is just as bad as under-watering it. With this in mind, you should try to keep the soil lightly moist, without flooding the area.
Do not waste water
When watering your garden, always apply water within the plant’s root zone. Furthermore, allow water to soak in before adding more water. This prevents pooling, and ensures that less water goes to waste.
Break up crusted mulch
You can also conserve water by covering the surface of the soil with materials such as grass. This helps to preserve moisture, and keeps the base of the plants aerated.
However, the layer of mulch may form a crust over time, subsequently preventing water from soaking in. When this occurs, you should break up the crusted mulch to allow water to soak in.
Test the soil’s moisture level
Occasionally, you should test the soil’s moisture level to determine how much water your plants need. If the soil contains adequate moisture, you will only need to water your garden twice or thrice a week.
Water in the morning
The best time to water your garden is in the morning before the sun comes up. This will ensure that you do not lose too much water through evaporation. Watering at dusk is okay, but this might increase the risk of fungus forming around your plants.
Focus on the front yard
First impressions do matter, and there’s no better way to impress your guests than ensuring that your front lawn is greener as ever even during summer. Essentially, you should focus on maintaining the front of the house, especially if you are facing water restrictions.
Use cool water
The water in a hose lying out in the sun may affect the health of your plants. With this in mind, it is advisable to store your hose in a shade, to ensure that the water remains cool at all times.
Water at longer intervals
It is better to apply large amounts of water at longer intervals than using small quantities frequently. This will encourage your plants to develop deeper roots, at the same time ensure that the soil remains moist for longer periods.
Contact Cerullo Landscape & Irrigation for all your residential and commercial landscaping in Long Island.
