With the warming temperatures, spring has sprung in the Morongo Basin. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the Joshua Basin Water District has some tips for your spring garden…
The Joshua Basin Water District recommends that residents perform a test run on their irrigation systems to check for leaks or spray heads that may be broken or out of adjustment. Reset your irrigation schedule and increase watering times as temperatures rise. Work compost into planting beds to improve moisture retention, and keep mulch on the beds to temper the drying and heating effects of the sun. You’ll be able to irrigate less often.
Pull your weeds before they form seed head and while they’re still green to reduce your weed problems later; if the weeds are brown, you waited too long.
APRIL Watering Schedule: Anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Test run your irrigation system to check for leaks and spray heads that are broken or out of adjustment. The “color season” is reaching its peak this month–spend time outside enjoying it.
- Reset irrigation schedules and increase watering time as temperatures rise
- Work compost or soil amendments into planting beds to improve moisture retention as summer approaches
- Plant cold-tender perennials, preferably in pots so winter protection is easier
- Keep mulch on the soil to temper the drying and heating effect of the sun; irrigation will be more effective with less frequency and quantity
- Continue pulling weeds before they form seed heads (if weeds are brown, you waited too long); you’ll have fewer weed problems later
