Wet Your Plants

Did you know that the amount of snow we get during winter affects our gardens? Less amount of snowfall can cause your plants to be extra thirsty. Snow contains fertilizing elements that are absorbed when melted. The gentle touch of snow is a slow release of these elements. Snow also acts as a blanket and protects your plants from the harsh cold. No snow means no protection from the cold! This can make it harder for our plants during dry cold winters.

Shade planting in Avondale!

With that being said let’s go over some easy tips about making sure your plants are adequately hydrated.

• Focus on the roots.

That’s where hydration is needed! It’s better to water deeper and fuller than lighter and more often. If we focus too much on the tops of our plants it can weigh them down and cause soggy leaves, leaving them vulnerable to damage.

• Be mindful of the weather.

Overwatering is a thing and something I’ve found way more challenging to come back from than underwatering. When we overwater we’re also inviting possible harmful guests. During warmer months sometimes we need to water twice daily but as we are in the rainier months of spring double-check the forecast, the skies might just be giving your garden a drink on the house!

• Water in the morning, but if you can't they still need water!!!

Watering your plants in the morning not only allows your plants the time to soak in the important nutrients it needs to thrive but also so your foliage time to dry throughout the day. If you water in the middle of the day when it tends to be warmer, it can cause the water to evaporate more quickly, leaving those leaves parched and unsatisfied.

• Get the right tools.

Certain sprinklers and hose attachments can be harmful or won’t do an adequate enough job. A soaker hose, sprinklers with fixtures close to the ground, or a drip irrigation system are best. We have the hookup when it comes to irrigation systems! Call us or send us a message and we’ll help answer all your burning questions about the ease of having an irrigation system!

Extra tips: if you have a freshly planted tree or shrub, water that bad boy immediately! It’s always polite to offer new guests a drink.

An excellent way to check if your potted plants or hanging baskets are thoroughly watered is by their weight. Think about heavy a hanging basket is after you’ve watered versus when it needs a sip.

Since you can’t necessarily lift your garden to gauge the water you can also look into getting a soil moisture sensor. All you really need is a spade to check how deep the moisture goes. As long as the first 6 – 12 inches are thoroughly watered then you’re good. It’s the opposite of checking if a cake is done with a toothpick, you want to see that rich moist soil!

Another thing to keep in mind is that some plants are more drought tolerant than others and prefer only to be watered when the top layer of soil is dry. If you can, stick to native plants that are more tolerant of your local climate. And as always, check in with us if you have any questions! We’d love to hear from you!

Don't forget our referral bonus, flower dollars $$$ and if you didn't know, it's $50 off any service of $100 or more for referring us.

XOXO

Renee G