Summer rains are great, especially when you have fresh plantings or a newly seeded lawn.
But how do you know if it rained enough to satisfy young roots? You can guess, but it's always best to know with a rain gauge.
“Most people think that because it rained, they don't have to worry about watering that week,” says Daryl Hennessy, president of Hennessy Landscaping. “But when it rains, especially in June, July and August, it's often for only one-tenth of an inch.”
This gauge adds visual interest as it measures one inch of rain.
A rain gauge, Hennessy says, takes away the guessing on whether or not your landscape received an inch of rain. That's the amount needed per week for new lawns and bedding plants.
Another way to measure watering level is by watching the clock. To provide an inch of water per week for newly seeded areas, place your water sprinkler on the lawn and water for one hour. Then move the sprinkler to another section that needs watering. This will give your lawn about one-eighth inch of water, enough to keep soil and seed moist for germination. Do this every day, Monday through Sunday, for three weeks. Then water three days a week for two hours for the next three weeks. By then, the grass should be ready to mow. Don't remove the straw - it will break down into the soil.
For new plantings and trees, water three times a week for two hours to assure success.
Move your water gauge to the area you're watering.
For large trees, try a water bag, available at most any garden store. Adjust it for slow watering and fill it with water, as directed.
“We use water bags for large trees at our commercial clients’ properties where watering is usually impractical,” Hennessy said. “What works for trees on commercial properties can also work for trees at anyone’s home.”
Serving our central Ohio customers since 1988. P.O. Box 528, Galloway, OH 43119
