• Originally published July 2, 2008 at 4:26 p.m., updated July 2, 2008 at 4:26 p.m.

The other day, I was thinking about all the water that is used by home gardeners every summer. I don’t know the volume, but during a dry summer, I’d bet it’s a large amount. One of the best things any gardener can do to help save on water usage is to mulch all their beds and garden areas. Remember that two to three inches of your mulch of choice will help to keep moisture in, weeds out, and roots cooler.

Many people simply waste water by carelessly watering. By that, I mean they will turn on a sprinkler during the hottest time of the day and forget about it.

When they do remember to turn it off, they find that water is running down their driveway into the street. I realize that not everyone can afford a sprinkler system, but let’s try to be more responsible when we water.

Here are some tips to help keep your lawn well watered for the summer. First, if at all possible, water early in the morning and not too frequently. Water evaporation won’t be as much in the early hours. Watering once every five to seven days should be enough if you water right. You will need to give the lawn about 1/2 to 1 inch of water each time. This is usually a good amount for most turf grasses. This will soak the soil to a good depth, and will encourage a deep rooted lawn. Remember this watering motto: Slow to soak and less often vs. Less time and more frequently.

How do you know when you’ve watered long enough? Well, first you need to set up the sprinkler. Then get an empty coffee can and set it in the grass. Turn on the water and let it run long enough to catch a 1/2 to 1 inch of water in the can.

Time how long it takes to collect the water, and that is how long you’ll need to water each time. If you’re likely to forget it’s running, you might need to get you a timer and install it on your faucet.

Any newly planted trees and/or shrubs need to be well-watered every week, especially during the summer. Water until the root system is soaked.

This usually needs to be done by the garden hose, a sprinkler isn’t adequate for this purpose. You can lay the hose over the root system, turn the water on low, and let it run for 30 to 40 minutes.

Your extra efforts will reward you with strong, healthy plants.

Keep in mind that most plants like a good thorough soaking, but then like to be allowed to dry out a bit before getting another drink. Keeping the soil too wet will not allow oxygen in, and oxygen is something the plant roots need. A dry soil can be a killer, but so can a soil that’s wet and soggy.

Adding compost to sandy soils will help to retain more moisture. Get in the habit of adding compost to your beds three to four times a year to enrich the soils and to help to keep moisture in the soils.

Another tip about watering. Melons and squash foliage are very susceptible to leaf spots and powdery mildew. These diseases can be promoted by wet foliage. A drip irrigation system or soaker hose can help prevent fungal problems from starting.

With the high temperatures and lack of rainfall, chances are your lawn is stressed. Applying natural lawn fertilizers to your yard will benefit it through this stressful time. Natural fertilizers can not burn and do not need to be watered after being applied. You can apply the fertilizer when it’s convenient, and water when you’re ready.

Until next time, let’s try to garden with nature, not against it, and maybe all our weeds will become wildflowers.

Laurie Garretson is a Victoria gardener and nursery owner. Send your gardening questions to laurie@vicad.com or in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902.

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