Water is precious! Water wisely!

Water conservation is a hot topic in the green industry. How we water our lawns and gardens matters. One of the best rules of thumb for watering is to water less often, but longer when you do.  The goal is to wet the soil to a depth of at least 6”.  You want to train the roots to dive deep into cooler soil and not stay hovering near the surface where soil dries quickly and temperature fluctuations are greater.  Soaker hoses and drip irrigation are the most efficient ways to get water to roots without evaporation waste. Water in the morning, not in the heat of the day or evening.

Many sources recommend an inch of water a week for gardens.  Consider this as general advice.  Some perennials may need more, many can do less, depending on the plant’s physical attributes and genetic makeup.  Plants with succulent leaves, small or hairy leaves, large roots or tap roots can go much longer without water compared to those with large leaves that lose a lot of water through transpiration. Other factors that also impact the need for water include your soil type, the garden’s incline and how windy a location is. Newly planted gardens and young plants will need more frequent watering to assist roots as they anchor in and expand.

The tools you use to deliver this ‘liquid gold’ are crucial. DRAMM watering products are superior. They manufacture world class tools for growers and gardeners designed to increase efficiency and to reduce waste.  Their approach to creating products producing sustainable results also applies to their packaging! They have always focused on ways to manufacture and package products in ways that are environmentally responsible. Dramm offers many outstanding products including water wands, nozzles, hoses, sprinklers, watering cans and much more. Check out their display at your local garden center.