LISTEN TO THIS STORY HERE:
Californians are being asked to conserve water in response to a statewide drought and severe water shortage. For gardeners that means watering before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
July’s long hot days present unique challenges for gardeners eager to conserve water. Check irrigation lines, valves, and emitters for clogs, leaks, and breaks. Sand and other deposits can clog lines and emitters. Flush out lines by removing end caps with your water system on. Established trees will respond best to a once-a-month deep watering as opposed to more frequent light waterings. Leave a trickling hose at the drip-line of trees and shrubs to deeply soak soil; set a timer and check it hourly as a reminder to move the hose to next plant.
Adding to mulches as they decompose will keep roots cool and reduce the need for more frequent watering. If water pools or runs off, adjust the volume of water being delivered. You may need to address caliche build-up in your soil which could prevent water from soaking down to the deep roots. Either break it up or add soil to increase the available depth for roots to spread.
Reporting for Z107.7 News, this is Mike Lipsitz.
