First, realize it doesn’t rain every day. Now container gardens are the exception, but if you water the plants in the ground every day, you risk drowning them. Even in this heat, the roots still need to breathe. The air spaces in the soil will be filled with water. Soil is dirt, water and air. Not just dirt and water.
If I am a plant, I would rather go thru the day hydrated instead of suffering all day til at long last the hose comes by. Morning watering is best. Also, it is ok to water in the middle of the day. Proper watering involves watering the roots, not the plant. So if you are standing in the hot sun all day, wouldn’t it be nice to get a long drink at 2 o’clock in the afternoon? Why wait til 7pm?
In keeping with "I want a plant that doesn’t get too big...", I get the "I put the hose on it for ½ hour...." Oh really. How much water was that? You should measure at least a gallon out and see how long it takes. Then you will have an idea how much water you are giving. Newly planted trees, 8 foot or so, should get about 5 gallons a week. (Notwithstanding soil dependent factors.) If you have a sprinkler set up, try putting your rain gauge (or a coffee cup) in its path. You should aim for 1 inch of water when using a sprinkler, once a week. This can take 2 hours or more at a time to accomplish.
If hand watering, a Dramm watering wand is an awesome tool, much better than those hose end contraptions that shoot water at the plant. Those contraptions also shoot the mulch back and expose the tiny surface roots. A Dramm provides a gentle rain spray, with a long wand, for standing upright while maneuvering the water spray under the plant’s canopy.
Watering your lawn? How nice of you to take care of your spoiled grass! Take a minute to consider how much less attention your gardens are needing right now.....More Gardens! Less Lawn!
Watering less, more frequently, will cause the surface roots to congregate closer to the surface, since that is where the water is. This will make the plants even less drought tolerant. Deep watering grows deep roots.
A full grown tree will transpire (sweat) 70+ gallons of water a day! Some plants, such as Hydrangea, will "sweat" more and require a bit more attention thru these hot days. Let your eyes and experience guide you.
Pay attention to what wilts the most. Planted in too much sun? Wrong plant for that hot spot? Shade tree bruting the water from your Astilbe? Jot down notes and move things around when autumn comes. Modify the garden to fit the garden!
We may have to Rain Dance soon- stay tuned!!
~Erica
