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Waterwise Gardening

© Marilyn Burns

In a land blessed by lakes, rivers, and waterways, it is rather ironic that the Great Lakes region often experiences prolonged dry spells during high summer. Although the annual precipitation amounts are adequate, our region can expect dry stretches after the usually abundant spring rains. By practicing water conservation and watering wisely, we can help our gardens and yards survive and even thrive during these extended dry spells.

Our soil types are usually very sandy or heavy clay. The addition of compost and other organic matter to the existing soil will help improve soil structure, and will improve the moisture holding capacity of the soil. Not only does a rich organic soil help conserve moisture, it will help us to grow healthier plants which are better able to withstand the stresses of heat, humidity, and drier soil conditions.

One of the best ways that we can conserve moisture is by the proper application of organic mulches around established plantings. In addition to reducing weeds and preventing soil compaction, mulch helps to steady soil temperatures and helps to prevents moisture loss by evaporation, thus helping to preserve the existing moisture in the soil.

Another way to have a garden that does not require frequent application of water is to add more plants that are not "water hogs". There are many plants that do not require abundant water to thrive or survive. Daylilies, coreopsis, yarrow, coneflowers, bleeding hearts, columbine, ornamental grasses, sedum, and liatris are a few that do not require as frequent attention to watering.

Along with this thought, we often consider sun and light requirements for plants, while not considering moisture requirements. By grouping plants together that have similar water requirements we can effectively water these plants according to their moisture needs.

When we water and how we water not only can mean the successful survival of our yards and gardens, but will help to reduce or prevent plant diseases. During the hottest part of the summer, we need to water early in the day, before the hottest part of the day. Lawns and plants take in the water more efficiently during the early morning hours and the foliage has a chance to dry out before the hottest part of the day arrives. If for some reason you cannot water in the early morning, a late afternoon watering after the hottest part of the day and within three hours of sunset can be done, although it is still preferred to water early in the morning.