Watering Advice from Debbie's Doings

Good Advice from Dave at Bennett s Greenhouse in Lafayette.  

Dave Says: 

"You'd be surprised at how differently everyone waters their plants. The best way to water most plants is to wet them thoroughly when needed, then let them dry out between waterings. Also, if you can avoid getting water on the plant's foliage during the disease and mildew season, you'll avoid the need to apply fungicide on a regular basis. Come in to Bennett's today for free watering advice, or to visit our Plant Pharmacy for help with any plant problems." - Dave Huth

I totally agree with Dave - who by the way has years more experience in the field than i do at least on a professional basis.  I always try to tell customers to water with the hose end without a nozzle attached.  I do this for both plants and shrubs planted in the ground and for planters as well.  This way the water is getting directly to the plants roots.  Leave the water on low to low medium flow until the soil around the plants is wet.  Then allow the soil to dry out slightly, not completely and water again.  Usually, you will not need to water everyday, even in the heat of the summer, you should able to go every other day.  Also another tip on watering is to make sure you are watering the outside edges of planters more than the inside.  There is a lot exposure to the heat and sun on the sides of a planter than on the inside where there is some protection from surround plants.  In other words, if you don't water that area a little extra it will dry out safer and those plants will suffer.