It can be hard to keep plants hydrated in Utah, but the hottest month — July — is behind us. Although August is not as hot as July, the difference is only a degree or two. Slightly more rain falls and the sun shines a few hours less, but you still must remain diligent to keep plants hydrated.
Only hardy plants can survive in a climate like ours, but if you’re trying to keep a palm or a fern alive, you will have to make the effort to water it regularly. Plants that aren’t native to Utah require special care and often do better indoors or in a partly shaded area.
Keep Plants Hydrated Morning & Night
But even sun-loving plants like geraniums need watering. Watering a couple of times a week might be enough to keep some plants hydrated, but during the hottest, driest spells, it’s best to give your blooming flowers a drink first thing in the morning and again at night. It can be hard to stay bright and beautiful while out all day in the relentless sunshine!
When you’re watering, try to avoid the plants’ leaves, especially during night waterings. Wet leaves can grow fungus, which can eventually kill the plant. For container plants, you must get under the leaves to give them a thorough watering. Leaves can deflect a good portion of the water over the edge of the container, leaving the plant drier than you’d like.
If you don’t have too many plants, use a watering can with a long spout to get to the base of each plant. If you have extensive gardens, get an attachment for your hose to better reach all the important spots.
Give Plants a Good Drenching
Take your time when watering. It’s easy to stand there for a few minutes with the hose and feel like you’ve done your job, but a few deep waterings are better than a lot of superficial ones to keep plants hydrated.
The best way to keep your trees, grass and plants healthy and strong is with a custom irrigation system. An irrigation system actually saves water, because it is planned and designed in such a way as to water your landscaping efficiently, so there’s no waste.
You can also link your system to a timer so that it comes on in the pre-dawn hours, which is the best time for watering.
Need Help? We’re Here for You.
If you’re finding it hard to keep your plants hydrated, whether you don’t have the time or can’t seem to figure out how much each plant needs, call Earthworks Landscaping. We can give you advice on how much and how often to water your plants. We can also give you a free estimate on installing an irrigation system to take the guesswork out of keeping your plants hydrated and healthy. Call today to get started.
