February 22, 2005 Weekly Water Saving Tip

This past week the temperatures were mild, with some moisture again. Turf is dormant and not growing or growing at a minimum. So, irrigation is not needed. The soil is still moist enough for all the plants in the landscape to do just fine. There should be enough moisture in the soil for the turf to last at least another two weeks or more. The water situation for this year, although has been good so far, is yet to be seen. So, holding off on watering will not only help the water situation but is best for the health of the plants. Healthy plants will have less damage from insects, disease, and the heat that will occur during the summer.

With the moisture in the soil, it's a good time to aerated your lawn. Leave the cores on the lawn, they will make an excellent top dressing and help to build up the soil. It’s also better to hold back on fertilizing.

Now, for the vegetable gardeners, it's great time to plant your cool-season crops indoors. Then, with the transplants started, get the flower and vegetable beds ready for planting. If you didn't have a chance to work the soil last fall, do it as soon as possible. It is important to add some compost to the soil to help build up the organic matter, which in turn will aid in the retention of water when you irrigate. If you are going to use manure it is important that it be well rotted or add nitrogen to stop any nitrogen tie-up in the soil and thereby causing a yellowing of your plants.

Xeriscape: The Natural Solution workshop will be held on this Saturday, February 26 at 10 a.m. at the Tonaquint Nature Center. At this workshop find out why xeriscape is a natural choice in our arid, desert climate. Learn the benefits this landscape offers and the principles used its design. Space is limited so please call 673-3617 to reserve your spot. The cost for the workshop is $5 to be paid at the door.

Again, for more information, call Julie Breckenridge at 673-3617.