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Gardening 101: Watering and our summer heat!
Topics: Gardening, watering, lawns, summer, heat, Bakersfield, weather
Posted by krobinson Tue Jul 31, 2007 16:20:58 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments Probably the question most frequently asked during this time of year is, “How often should I water?”

Seems like a pretty easy question! The question is simple enough, but there are a few factors that must be considered before an answer can be given. Someone that tells you “once a day” or “every other day” clearly is not taking this question seriously and prefers the easy way out. Here are some things to consider: 

First, how long has the yard been in? A newly planted yard must have multiple waterings a day. For instance, to establish a lawn you must keep it damp so short waterings throughout the day are required. Newly planted bedding plants need water two or three times a day this time of year. They will also require a “water well” around them so the small root area is saturated.

When planting new trees or shrubs in the heat you will again need to make a water well. Make sure the well is no bigger than the original container of the plant.  The watering area should enable you to fill several inches of water directly over the root ball. Be sure to leave the root area intact when planting— check out my previous article, “Don’t break the root ball” for more explanation. Be sure to water these plants in the early morning by hand — don’t depend on the sprinklers until the roots are out into the soil. You have to make sure the root area is saturated. Only the most drought tolerant plants can be skipped and not watered everyday when they are first planted. This hands-on approach of watering should be used for the first month or two that the yard is getting established.

If your yard has been in for a while the next question is, “What’s your soil like?”
Basically your yard should be watered when the soil is dry. Sandy soil will probably need water every day in the summer. On the other hand, clay soil can go several days before it drys out.  My answer here is to check the soil 4 to 6 inches below the surface and see if it’s still wet. There’s no reason to water wet soil!  Also, check different places in your yard for moisture — obviously shady areas will dry out more slowly than full sun areas. You could have spots that drain better than others — remember we have hardpan areas — or you could have different types of soil all within one yard.

Many times people tell me that they have to water more than once a day.  Usually upon further questioning, they are watering two or three times a day for a short period of time (such as five minutes ). My advice in this case is increase your watering time, but only water once a day. I say this with some reservation because this is not the best time of year to change a watering schedule. It can be done with some careful observation and extra watering, if needed, to see plants through the time of transition.

With multiple waterings throughout the day, plants can begin to smother. Root rot and disease become more prevalent and insects thrive. Plants need to dry out between waterings. You need the wet-to-dry cycle to occur regularly for healthy soil and plant development. If you water well when you water, you encourage the plants to root deeply and thus they are stronger and can go longer between waterings. It makes sense when you think about it! 

The best time to water is in the early morning because the plants have sufficient moisture to see them through the heat of the day and are at the driest point during the night (when there is less heat stress). Evening waterings can increase disease and insects. If you water at night the plant is at its driest point in the heat of the day — not very good.

Volume of water would be our last consideration. If you have low volume heads or stream rotors you will have to water much longer than you will with spray heads. It could take 45 minutes per station in sandy soil with stream rotors. Probably the best way to check is with a shovel. Dig down and see if you’re getting good, deep moisture penetration into the soil. Remember to water well when you water and then let the ground dry out.

If you have a slope or mounds in your yard, a good trick is to set the clock to water early morning. Water until you see run off, then move on to the next station. After the clock runs the whole cycle set it to come on again immediately. This way you’ve doubled the time for a deeper watering but still catching it in the early morning.

Hopefully these tips on watering can help you get through the next few months more easily. You’ve probably heard it many times, but I think it bears repeating: people in Bakersfield like to over water. I know it’s hot, but remember: don’t water wet soil — and by all means check below the surface. Of course it looks dry, it’s 105 degrees. See what the soil is doing and if it truly needs water. Your plants will thank you!  And believe me, they will also tell you if they need more water, just take a look at them. I know it’s therapeutic to water but lets make sure the plants are dry first.

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