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It seems strange to be hauling around a garden hose this time of year to water garden plants, but we are all going to have to begin watering our gardens soon if the soaking rains do not return. Here is what you need to do to keep your garden healthy while conserving water:
New plantings: Many gardeners take this time of the year to plant bare root fruit trees, berries and perennial vegetables. Usually, we don’t have to worry about watering them until May because seasonal rain takes care of business. Yet, this year is playing out to be a dry winter. Newly planted shrubs and trees need a good soaking about every two weeks during this drought-like time.
Wildlife: Deer, birds, foxes and all kinds of wildlife depend on seasonal streams and seeps for water. Bubbling bird baths along with tubs of fresh water will help them out. These supplemental water sources need to be scoured clean at least once a week, depending on how heavily they are used.
Mulch: Since the ground is just beginning to dry, it is a good idea to soak a planting area as if drenched by heavy rain. Then, apply a nice thick mulch to keep spring winds from drying things out too soon.
Pruning: Routine light pruning is good. However, avoid heavily pruning any shrub or tree that has been neglected. Pruning stimulates new growth. Encouraging a plant to put on excessive growth during drought times is not good.
Fertilizer: Heavy feeding also encourages plants to put on extra growth. Just feed plants lighter than usual, using mild, low-nitrogen fertilizers. You just want to feed enough to maintain healthy growth.
Terry Kramer is the site manager for the Humboldt Botanical Garden and a trained horticulturist and journalist. She has been writing a garden column for the Times-Standard since 1982. Contact her at terrykramer90@gmail.com.
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