September 27, 2004 Weekly Water Saving Tip

Well, in the next few days October begins. This is a great month to be out and about in the landscape. The days are growing shorter and will continue to cool down. The mid-eighties to nineties should be the rule, but the sun is bright. Nighttime temperatures are in the fifties and low sixties. Plants can now really welcome a respite from the summer stress. Those plants that have survived the summer can start to grow again. During this time the roots of the plants will make their greatest growth and make the greatest preparation for the next summer’s rigors and stress. Now is the time for us to help our plants in this preparation. Not only will this increase the plants health but is will also enable the plants to use less water even when the high summer heat comes back.

October days may be sunny and you may feel the need to continue frequent irrigations, but resist this urge. This week irrigation frequency is every 7-10 days. Remember to keep increasing the time between watering as the evening temperatures continue to cool down. Stretch as many days between the irrigation as possible. Allow the soil’s top surface to dry out at least one inch down before irrigating again.

There’s still time to plant trees and shrubs. This is an excellent time to plant containerized deciduous trees. The soil is warm and will encourage root growth to begin the establishment of the tree. These cooler temperatures slow down the top growth and the roots will get the energy they demand for growth.

The weekly water saving tip is provided to Washington County Water Conservancy District by Dr. Frank Williams, professor of the BYU Horticulture department. If you would like any more information please call me, Julie Breckenridge, at 673-3617.