Kathy Berryhill
Creek County Master Gardener
Summer has made it to Creek County and although there has been recent rain, plants will need more attention to moisture needs to thrive. Mesonet.org reports that our plants have 90% of the soil moisture they need at a 4” depth. As the summer heat continues, moisture levels will drop quickly. The forecast for next week shows temperatures in the low 90s with lots of sunshine that will continue to encourage beautiful growth and colorful flowers. It’s a good time to review water needs for our landscapes.
What’s the best way to determine if plants really need water? Rely on a combination of sight and touch. What may appear to be a casual stroll through the yard is in reality a fact-gathering mission. A gardener’s eye can detect the slightest drooping of a leaf and know that the moisture needs to be adjusted. Use the handiest of garden tools, your finger, and quickly probe the soil to verify if it’s too moist or too dry. If the surface feels dry, check a few inches deeper. If the deeper soil is dry, the plant needs ample water to help encourage the development of deep roots. Soil meters are handy to accurately measure water levels.
The best time to water is early in the day. Water applied early in the day enables the moisture to soak into the soil prior to evaporation from heat and/or wind late in the day. If water is applied later in the day, moisture remains on a plant overnight and fungal diseases may occur. Direct the water at the roots for the best delivery and to help prevent evaporation. Note – research shows that it is a myth that water applied to the leaves causes scorching.
The Golden Rule for watering is “more water delivered less often”. While it can be satisfying to stand with a hose in hand watering the garden, this method delivers very little water and usually doesn’t soak the entire root ball. A watering wand, soaker hose or drip irrigation will direct water to the root zone. Plants that are kept evenly moist do much better than those that are allowed to dry out. Consistent moisture contributes to the health of the plant. Healthy plants are more prone to fight off disease and insects.
Container plants are more susceptible to quicker water evaporation. While a larger container pot will hold moisture longer than a small container, it may contain bigger plants that require more water. Many container plants will need daily water to survive. For information on watering lawns during the summer, search for OKstate Fact sheets on Irrigation or Lawn Watering Tips.
Happy Gardening!
