Watering Plants Isn't as Simple as you May Think

Plant Watering Shouldn't Be Set To Auto Pilot

Newly planted beds and/or seasonal color beds have watering needs that vary from property to property, as well as, within different areas within a property. Therefore, it is always best to monitor your plants throughout the property on a weekly basis, rather than just setting your irrigation system on autopilot.

Look for droopy, shriveled or burnt leaves, then check the soil around those plants with a moisture meter by probing the soil with your finger. Burnt and yellowing leaves usually indicate overwatering.

Serving Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Woodstock, Dallas, Emerson, Cartersville, Canton, Atlanta, GA and neighboring cities.

You Definitely Want to Care for Your Ornamental Plants

According to the Plants and Turf Guide of the University of Georgia, it is recommended to water established plants 1 inch per week. Use the link below for information on caring for your ornamental plants.

View the Guide for Care of Ornamental Plants

Do You Know How to Run Your Irrigation System?

Run irrigation systems manually for the first month to make sure new plants are being watered properly. It is easier to bring a plant back that was underwatered, than one that suffers from root rot due to over watering.

We highly recommend performing an irrigation evaluation of your system. Use the following method:

• Take five empty tuna cans and mark the inside at 1/2 inch.
• Set the cans out in all four corners of a zone and one in the middle. If a zone is divided into several beds, then do one bed at a time.
• Run the system and check the cans every 5-10 minutes until the water level reaches the 1/2 inch mark.
• Note the minutes it took to hit the mark and multiply this number by 2, then set the system to water that amount of time, twice a week.
• You should still do a weekly walk about to manually check the soil moisture, and make adjustments if necessary.

Remember, it is easier to bring a plant back that was underwatered, than one that suffers from root rot due to overwatering.

An Easy Plant Watering Schedule For You to Follow

• 1st Week:
  Water 1 inch to saturate the soil and ensure that moisture reaches to a depth of 8-10 inches. If it is summer, water again three days later, 1/2 inch. In winter or if temperatures are below 60°F, you may wait a week before watering again.
  
  An effective way to water trees, is to place a slow drip garden hose or soaker hose on the root ball for 4-8 hours to saturate the surrounding soil. Do this once a week.
  
  
• 2nd Week:
  
  • Summer: Water 1/2 inch every 3-4 days, always checking the soil moisture with the finger test in between waterings.
    
  • Winter: Monitor soil moisture and water as needed. Usually Mother Nature can take over at this time of the year, due to plants' dormancy and cooler temperatures.
• 3rd and 4th Week:
  Continue the same settings and instructions according to the season.
  Of course, always monitor any rainfall that occurs and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Remember, it is easier to bring a plant back that was underwatered, than one that suffers from root rot due to overwatering.

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