Watering Instructions

In the heat of summer, you may have to water daily. Don’t forget to keep watering during fall!  Soaker hoses and a timer system may be used to save time and money; however, you must ensure that sufficient water penetrates the root ball of each plant.  Water should pool up at the base of the plant when the soil has been adequately saturated.  Water not only under the drip line of the plant, but also several feet out from this. Otherwise, dry soil will wick away moisture from roots.  If planting occurs in the Spring water 3 times minimum per week, for the first 3 weeks, whether it rains or not, then after the first 3 weeks, water twice per week whether it rains or not.  If the planting occurs in the Fall, and the plant still has leaves, following the aforementioned watering guidelines until the leaves fall off.  If the plant has lost its leaves, soak thoroughly one time after planting.  Begin watering again in the spring when the new foliage appears, following the aforementioned watering guidelines.  Monitor the plants after the first 3 weeks and apply additional water as necessary.  It is best to water early in the morning to prevent evaporation, or rot if watered too late in the day.

Overwatering your plants is also a common problem. If leaves are turning brown or yellow, wilting, forming blisters that are either tan, brown, or have white wart-like growths you may be overwatering. If you see these signs, stick your finger in the ground about an inch. If the soil is wet it is an excellent indication that you are overwatering and need to reduce.