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How to Water

Family owned & operated

Since 1936
Are Your Plants Thirsty?

Dig down 1”- 2” underneath the mulch and feel the soil. If the soil is wet, you don’t need to water.

You can also use a moisture meter to check if you need to water.

Water Like a Pro!
  • Know your plant’s moisture needs. Some plants need more water than others. Plants under trees may require more water.
  • When soil feels dry water slowly and deeply. Allow the water to pool and sink in at least three times. Be sure to water out past the edge of plants. Watering deeply encourages roots to grow deeper.
  • If you have shredded mulch over your beds, you may need to break up the crust to get water through to the soil.
  • Water at the base of plants to keep water off the leaves. This reduces diseases.
  • Water in the morning, giving foliage time to dry, especially if using sprinklers.
When To Water New Plantings

Plants installed this year have higher water needs because their root systems have not grown much further than the original pot area. Call us if you have any questions. We’re happy to help.

  • First Day — Water slowly and deeply after planting.
  • Week 1 — Check daily. Only water when soil is dry about 1”-2” under the surface, watering slow and deeply. (Test with your finger or a moisture meter.)
  • Week 2 — Check every 2 days. Only water when soil is dry about 1”-2” under the surface, watering slow and deeply.
  • Week 3 — Check every 3 days. Only water when soil is dry about 1”-2” under the surface, watering slow and deeply.
  • Ongoing — During the rest of the season, check at least once a week.
When To Water Existing Plantings

Be sure to check your perennials, trees and shrubs for water needs. Water if we have not had significant rain in 2 weeks. Remember to check on plants that were installed the previous year or ones that especially love water more often. In many cases, these plants will need a little extra attention.

If no rain continues, water again when the soil is dry 1”- 2” below the soil surface. Make sure water gets through the mulch into the soil.

Watering by hand is a good way to learn the needs of each plant in your garden and it uses less water. If using a sprinkler, run just long enough to equal an inch of rain, preferably in the morning. You can test how much water your system delivers by using a rain gauge.

Too Much or Too Little?

Limp, hanging or yellowing leaves may indicate either too much or too little water. Check the soil two inches under the mulch.

If it is dry, water the ground slowly and deeply. If it is wet, do not water until the soil has had time to dry out. If it is really wet, you can thin or loosen the layer of mulch to help air get in and dry out the soil. Do not water until soil has had time to dry out below the surface. Plants need air as well as moisture.