As the weather warms up, that sprinkler system does start to get tempting. Sure, it’s an investment, but it will make sure the grass and garden alike are watered just right. The kids will enjoy it too!
Of course, Zoysia grass doesn’t need much watering! Unless there hasn’t been any rain for some time, it will do just fine with very little maintenance. But what about those flower beds?
While sprinklers might seem like a great solution, unfortunately they tend to waste a lot of water. As OrganicGardening.com points out, we’ve all seen that sprinkler that waters the sidewalk more than the garden! Not only are sprinklers far from “green” when it comes to conservation, they can actually encourage plant diseases, which could mean an end to the green in your lawn and garden too. Instead, we recommend judicious hand watering with a hand sprayer or even a watering can.
So, how do you know if it’s time to water your garden? A good measure is that green thumb of yours! Stick it in the soil about two inches. If the soil is not moist, it’s time for a little shower. For those looking for a more precise way to measure your garden’s moisture we offer an easy-to-use Moisture Meter. Just be sure not to overwater – the soil should get nice and damp, not soggy, when you’re finished.
To make the most of your water, put it on your plants early in the morning before the hot sun comes and evaporates it. This way the garden has time to drink it up and you’ll get more bang for your drop!
Of course, the best way to conserve water and make sure that your garden doesn’t get thirsty is to let Mother Nature do the job. Watch the forecast carefully and schedule your regular watering so it doesn’t fall too closely to an upcoming rainfall.