Oct 04, 2005 Weekly Water Saving Tip

Last Updated: 2005-10-04 11:19:37

In a climate, such as ours, where the daytime temperatures still remain warm and the night temperatures are at least cooling down, it is important that the perennial plants in our landscape become dormant if they are going to survive the winter and remain healthy and vigorous. The shortening of the day light hours and cooling temperatures triggers the plants into dormancy, but we can and should aid in the induction of dormancy by reducing the frequency of irrigations. This irrigation reduction will decrease new growth on the plants The older, more hardened wood on plants are less susceptible to frost damage than new plant growth. This is also why it is important to do little or no pruning in October. This also makes the plant more susceptible to cold damage, by encouraging growth of new shoots or stems.

Irrigation this week for turf is be every 7-10 days. Now make sure you are watering the same length of time to get the water down into the root zone, just lengthen out the days between watering.

We have two workshops this month. On Saturday, October 8^th, Unlock the Bulb Mystery. This class will teach what bulbs work well, how to care for them during our hot months and what to do after they bloom. Bulbs are a great way to add color and the element of surprise after a dull winter. Then, on Saturday, October 15, back by popular demand — It’s All In The Container. In this class discover what it takes to grow plants successfully in pots. Learn how to add variety in your landscape, deck or patio. Techniques will be taught on care for potted plants and minimizing water use. Instruction can be applied to vegetable or perennial plants. These workshops are held at the Tonaquint Nature Center at 10 a.m. The workshop is free, but space is limited so call to reserve your spot.

If you would like any more information please call me, Julie Breckenridge, at 673-3617.