How do I water my yard?

Too much water/ Too little water?

How often do I water the garden? It’s such a complex question with so many variables in play. It depends on the plant, when it was planted, soil conditions, weather, wind. What to do?

Let’s try to simplify it: When plants are freshly planted from their nursery pots the roots are only as big as the pot they were in. You must continue watering in that small area until the roots can spread out. The dry soil around them is sucking away the moisture too. So newly planted plants need more frequent watering.

Trees:

The first year of a newly planted tree is crucial, they need deep watering more than smaller plants. You want those roots to go down deep and make the tree stable. For trees, give them more water less frequently. And as always compost and Mulch, Mulch, Mulch to hold in that moisture.

How to tell if it’s too much or too little:

First, check the soil, dig down a few inches, is it bone dry and crumbly? Is it saturated/ smelly? If it’s not easy to tell from the soil, look at the leaves.

Too Much: Yellow leaves usually mean too much water. More signs are mushy stems or leaves, conks on trees, or mushrooms in the soil. Most new gardeners overwater their plants. It can be beneficial for root growth to let the plant dry out before watering again, the roots will go searching for water and make a stronger plant.

Too Little: The obvious signs are drooping leaves, and you will be able to tell if that was the problem if it perks up after watering. Less noticeable may be browning edges on the leaves, fully crispy leaves, and low or no fruit production.

Too Much water

These yellow edges are a sign of overwatering. Do you see these on your plants?

Tips: Know how the water flows on your land before planting, where does it pool, how can you spread it and sink it? Also notice where the wind is coming from, use trees as a windbreak to protect more delicate crops. Wind can be a huge factor in drying out the garden, if it’s going to be windy go out and soak the garden the night before so it can sink in.  In desert areas it’s a good trick to slow water a big tree while it’s windy, those shimmering leaves work like a pump.

Observation is your best tool. Take frequent walks in your garden, note the subtle changes and how the weather is affecting it and you will become a plant whisperer with experience.