GARDEN CARE
PLAN & DESIGN YOUR GARDEN FOR EFFICIENT WATERING
Be aware of the various zones in your yard (hot/sunny, cool/shady, moist, dry, etc.) and plan your gardens accordingly. For example, if your have a hot, dry zone, carefully select plants that can endure hot, dry conditions.
CLUSTER PLANTS THAT NEED EXTRA CARE
If you choose shrubs, flowers or vegetables that need lots of sun
and moisture, place them near each other. You’ll save time and water by watering just one area of your yard.
USE DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS
There are many varieties of low water use plants that can withstand dry summers, and that actually thrive in drier soil. Go to “native plants” for a partial list of drought tolerant plants.
MULCH TO KEEP ROOTS MOIST
Mulch reduces water evaporation from the soil and reduces the number of weeds that compete with plants for soil moisture. Mulch flowers, shrub beds and trees with pine bark mulch. In your vegetable beds, use salt marsh hay, newspaper (no color pages), black plastic, or landscape fabric - that allows water to penetrate the fabric but keeps down weed growth. On a sweltering 100° day, a 3-inch mulch can keep the soil underneath up to 25° cooler! Avoid white marble chips that can damage acid-loving plants like rhododendrons. Stones or pebbles are good on shady areas. They shouldn’t be used near the house because they give off too much heat. Ground covers, such as ivy or pachysandra, also prevent evaporation around established shrubs and ornamental trees.
ORGANIC MATTER WILL HELP YOUR SOIL RETAIN MORE MOISTURE
Peat moss, composted leaves (leaf mold), composted manure, composted kitchen vegetable scraps and grass clippings will all improve soil structure and enhance moisture-retaining capabilities.
Incorporate organic matter into your flower and vegetable beds, preferably 12”-18” deep.
