Heat Wave Watering Tips | Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc.
Water on a timer – Simply attach a water timer to your hose and sprinkler, and set a time for the sprinkler to run. The water will automatically turn off once the timer has run down, preventing overwatering, and you can walk away while it is running!
Set a schedule – Using our local off-peak hours to create a watering schedule can help reduce costs on water, especially when dealing with brutally hot summers like the one we have had so far. You may need to be up a bit earlier in the morning, but to offer relief to your gardens and lawns (and a bit to your wallet) it's certainly worth it!
Use a soaker hose – These hoses are quite efficient. They allow water to seep out directly into the soil, which can reduce runoff and ensure that the water goes where it is needed.
Watch the weather – save the trouble and water costs, don't water if you know you're expecting some rain.
Rain barrels – Although they can be on the pricey side depending on the make and model, rain barrels are a fantastic investment. A couple of these set out to collect rain will allow you to water your gardens while easing up on the cost of your water bill. Watering by hand via barrels also allows you to water where it is needed, so very little water is wasted on areas like sidewalks, driveways, etc.
Keep an eye on absorption – don't put down more water than the soil can soak up. Overwatering can be just as bad for plants and lawns. If you notice any runoff occurring, stop watering and give the soil time to soak up the water before resuming.
Water in the morning – this will allow time for the water to absorb into the soil and to dry off of recently watered plants. Mid-day watering will often be lost to high heat and sun causing the water to evaporate. Night time watering may contribute to mildew and fungus due to cool and damp temperatures, and water that may remain on the leaves of plants.
Listen to your plants – They will communicate to you if they are struggling, whether from being parched or from being overwatered. Plants will droop and become discoloured from a lack of water. Familiarize yourself with the plants in your gardens and even your lawn, and learn how often specific areas will need to be watered.
Don't be afraid to water well into the fall. Even though the weather does start to cool down, this will support your plants right up until the time they become dormant. They need all the help and energy they can get to survive through the winter.