Download "Make Your Plants Happy with Proper Watering”

"Make Your Plants Happy with Proper Watering”
Steve McDermott Master Gardener
Q: I go out and water my plants when it gets hot, but they still look frumpy.
From Kay R. Paso Robles
A: You need enough water to get to as much of the root system as possible to make your
plants happy. Plants need enough water to properly transport essential nutrients from the
bottom of the plant to the very top of the plant.
To get water down to the very bottom or edges of your root system, you need to
consider the type of soil you have and the depth and spread of your root system. If your
soil is primarily clay, such as that found in North County and in San Luis Obispo, the soil
holds more water, so it will retain more water. Sandy soil, such as that found near the
ocean, holds the least water and drains faster. Sandy soil has a penetration factor of about
three times that of clay soil so the water seeps more deeply but does not retain as much
water as clay soil. To check the depth of water penetration, dig into the soil and
determine how deep the water traveled.
The roots of a plant should have access to water at all times, but avoid over-watering and
possibly drowning your plants. Watering should be done relatively infrequently, but
deeply. The most effective watering should be done SLOWLY. Quick, overhead
watering is not as beneficial to plants. The best technique is the drip method. Installation
of drip systems is not necessary, although very convenient, but a dripping hose or
inexpensive hose timer may suit your needs.
The root systems of plants vary in depth, so a general rule of thumb is that leafy
vegetables and annual bedding plants require 6-12 inches of water. Small shrubs,
tomatoes, corn, and cool season turf grass requires 1-2 feet of water. Trees, large shrubs,
and warm-season grasses require substantially more to reach deep roots.
Evapotranspiration factors such as temperature, wind, and humidity affect how much
water your plants require, so have a chat with your local Master Gardener about your
specific needs.