June has certainly been hot and dry. We have been blessed with spotty showers, but gardens and lawns are struggling. If you are being diligent to water your plants, here are some things to remember.
Water roots, not leaves. Water on leaves does little good and may attract insects. Plants absorb water through the roots. This is where soaker hoses or watering systems can be great assets, delivering water at the base of the plants and down to the roots.
Apply enough water to reach the roots. If you only wet the top of the soil, roots will be shallow and vulnerable. In some cases, such as a layer of mulch, water may not even make it to the soil at all, but the mulch should hold in moisture better once it gets there.
Most gardeners agree that early-morning watering is the most efficient. This gives the water time to get down in the soil before the hot sun dries it up.
During extreme dry spells, water more frequently rather than more heavily.
The best way to tell if water is needed is to check the soil for moisture Wilted leaves and droopy plants are a good sign, but that could be a sign of disease instead of dryness.
If possible, catch rain water or use natural water from streams, lakes, or ponds. This will save on your water bill, and the "chemical-free" water is healthier for your plants and lawn.
It's hot, it's dry, it's Alabama summer, and we expect it. Remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
