Although you would think we get enough rain in Northern Virginia to keep any sort of plant happy, in fact, sometimes you will have to supplement your plants’ water to keep them healthy.
Why Rainwater is Not Enough
There are several situations where rainwater might not be enough. New sod, for instance, needs to be kept consistently moist until it is well established — it cannot wait three days for the next good downpour.
Trees sometimes do not fare well, especially in dry years or in urban settings. A mature oak can absorb 100 gallons of water per day, and if the groundwater is insufficient, it will wilt. This powerful thirst is not unique to oaks — all trees need water. The big ones need more than the little ones, and the young ones will sometimes need supplementation because their roots are not yet deep enough to get at the ground water.
Runoff from poor soils can also be a factor. Two inches of rain does no good if it doesn’t soak into the ground. Sometimes the ground is too compacted for it to absorb, or the terrain is steep and the water washes away before it has a chance to soak in.
Proper Watering Techniques
As you can see, there are many situations in which water is necessary. Watering by hand is by far the best option because it enables you to put exactly as much water as needed right where it will do the most good. A watering wand is the best tool for the job here.
Since it’s impossible sometimes to water by hand, soaker hoses or sprinklers can be used instead.
The rule of thumb is “water deeply and infrequently.” Except for new sod, this works for nearly all plants. The only thing that changes is the definition of “deeply” and “infrequently.” The idea is that you want to thoroughly saturate the root ball until it resembles a dripping sponge, and then allow it to absorb that water over a period of time, and not water again until it is barely damp.
So for your roses this might be every three days, and for your weeping cherry this might be every week or ten days.
Watering like this will encourage the roots to grow down deeply, rather than shallowly, because you will have “taught” the plant that the water is more plentiful the deeper it goes rather than close to the surface.
How Mulch Can Help
And of course, don’t forget to add a thick layer of mulch around your plants. Getting mulch delivered is as easy as clicking into our mulch products!
Mulch is a protective barrier for the soil, offering numerous benefits beyond aesthetics. By holding rainwater long enough for it to soak in, mulch ensures that your plants receive the maximum amount of moisture from each watering session or rainfall. This keeps your garden well-hydrated and helps conserve water, making it an eco-friendly practice.
Moreover, mulch significantly reduces evaporation, so you won’t need to water as frequently. This is particularly beneficial during hot summer when water can quickly evaporate from the soil surface. Additionally, mulch helps to regulate soil temperature, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, providing a more stable environment for plant roots.
Beyond moisture retention and temperature regulation, mulch also plays a vital role in weed suppression. Blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds reduces their germination and growth, saving you time and effort on weeding. Furthermore, as mulch decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil, enriching it with nutrients and improving soil structure.
When choosing mulch, consider organic options like wood chips, straw, or compost, which support soil health and contribute to a sustainable gardening practice. Spread a layer of mulch about 2-4 inches thick around your plants, being careful not to pile it up against the plant stems, as this can lead to rot and other issues.
Incorporating mulch into your gardening routine can make a significant difference in the health and vitality of your plants. By enhancing water retention, reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, and enriching the soil, mulch is a simple yet powerful tool for any gardener. Happy gardening!
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