More watering tips for the urban gardener

Today we pick up where we left off last week.

Lawns and Landscapes

Lawns in the Columbia Basin may require water every other day in the heat of the summer depending on the soil type. When temperatures are lower, watering is not needed quite as frequently as it is in the heat of the summer.

WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardeners can provide free measuring cans (accompanied by a written procedure) to help determine the amount of water yard sprinklers apply. Following good soil management practices like regularly aerating, dethatching, soil testing and applying fertilizer and mowing can help improve the lawns drought tolerance. Adjust sprinklers to minimize runoff.

Apply plant, plastic, bark, paper or fabric mulches to conserve soil moisture and control weeds. Try not to water lawn and landscape trees at the same time. Trees and shrubs require different methods and watering frequencies than lawns. Also, properly following pesticide and fertilizer labels can help keep the lawn healthier.

Trees and Shrubs

Often stress in trees and shrubs is the result of not getting enough water. Young trees and shrubs do not require as much water as mature plants that are more deeply rooted. Water mature trees deeply and infrequently.

Watering lawns with trees is not recommended since lawns are shallow rooted while trees have deeper roots. Watering deeply will improve tree health and help prevent insect or disease infestations. Irrigating at or just outside the tree dripline helps provide water where most roots are located. Monitor moisture using a probe or shovel; the goal is to get good moisture penetration to a depth of about three feet.

For answers to your gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant County Extension office at 754-2011, ext. 4313 or by email at ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu.