First and foremost is correct watering. What that means is not too much and not too little. Sounds like we are in “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” doesn’t it. Obviously too little makes plants dry out. Too little can mean not often enough or not long enough to get the water down to the roots.

With automatic irrigation systems not frequently enough is not often the case; too frequent is more common. Young plantings of shrubs and trees will usually get by with two times a week. Newly planted plants need heavy soaking for three – four days and then back off to two – three times a week. Older established plantings often can get by with once a week if it is done thoroughly. You do have to monitor your garden to be sure there isn’t something that needs more water and water those plants extra.

The problem with too frequent watering is that it does not allow the water to drain and let oxygen back into the soil. Roots need oxygen to grow. When you water you need to water long enough to allow the water to cover the entire root zone. This allows oxygen to go back into the soil and also allows roots to move deeper.

When plants don’t get enough water, it is most often caused by a problem with the irrigation system. Heads can get blocked, heads can get clogged, valves can quit working or the timer can be misbehaving. A moisture meter can help you determine what is going on and help you know when the problem is solved.

Most problems with new plantings are caused by water problems.

Now, why did I put mulching together with watering as one of the most important things you can do to help cope with the summer heat? Well, what mulching does is cool the ground and hold more moisture in the soil. Both of these help with watering problems. In addition, the cool soil allows the roots to develop better. If you remember back to your barefoot days, you might remember the difference walking on bare dirt and on a lawn. The lawn is obviously cooler. Mulch does much the same thing to the soil underneath it. The soil is cooler. Cool (not cold) soil allows roots to develop. Better roots means more and better growth. More roots means the plants is better able to reach out for water and nutrients. This means a better garden.

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