Reduce the amount you water your lawn

Reduce the amount you water your lawn

by | Aug 27, 2018 | Lawn Care, Water Conservation, Watering and Irrigation, Waterwise Tips

  • Water the lawn only when needed
    Step on the grass; if it springs back up when you move your foot, it does not need water.  The Water Authority recommends watering just one day per week in March, two days per week in April and May, three days per week in the summer, two days per week in September and October, and one day per week in November.
  • Accept a less-than-lush lawn
    Grass will naturally go dormant during periods of drought but will readily regenerate when water becomes available. Reduce traffic on stressed turf areas if possible.
  • Mow as infrequently as possible
    Mowing puts the grass under additional stress that requires more water.
  • Mow higher than normal
    Longer leaf surfaces promote deeper rooting and shade the root zone. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in one mowing. Return mulched clippings to the lawn.
  • Match fertilizer to the plant requirement
    Fertilizer applications require additional water. Excess fertilizer stimulates top growth, often to the detriment of the root system. Learn to accept turf grasses with low water needs.
  • Keep lawns free of weeds
    Weeds are water thieves and will rob your plants of water and nutrients. Spot spray or remove weeds as they appear.
  • Don’t water the pavement
  • Move sprinkler heads away from curbs or sidewalks. 12” or more away from a paved service is a good rule of thumb.

Signs of under watering your grass:

  • Turns bluish-grey
  • Grass doesn’t spring back after being stepped on
  • It is difficult to push a screwdriver into the soil
  • Turf still feels warm after the sun has gone down

Signs of over watering your grass:

  • Water is constantly pooled in areas
  • Turf has a musty odor
  • Soil is extremely soft and mushy
  • Algae or mushrooms are present
Hand watering hose tips

Hand watering hose tips

by | Aug 27, 2018 | Do It Yourself (DIY), Water Conservation, Watering and Irrigation, Waterwise Tips

  • Use shut-off nozzles on hoses
    Shut-off nozzles completely turn off the water when you are not using it.
  • Install a hose watering system
    If you are not ready to invest in an inground irrigation system there are automatic hose systems available. Instead of dragging your hose around the yard, this system allows you to set up your hose with appropriate watering system and water your yard at a set time and for a set length of time. Basically, it is a timer attached to your hose. You can even build a hose watering system that has multiple valves. Each valve can be set to water at various times throughout the day. For example, you could set one valve to water your vegetable garden for 10 minutes daily and  another valve to water your perennials two times a week for 20 minutes.
Planting Tips for Raised beds

Planting Tips for Raised beds

by | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Edibles, Planting, Planting Tips

Many homeowners are interested in planting in raised beds. It can be great for homeowners who worry about their soil. Planting in raised beds allows you to add the exact soil you want. Another popular reason is the interesting visual element the raised bed will provide in your yard. A few other tips about planting in raised beds are listed below.

  1. Planting desert accents, like agave and prickly pear, in raised beds gives them the good drainage they prefer. It allows leaf litter from nearby plants to collect at the base of the bed instead of between the prickly leaves and stems making it much easier to maintain.
  2. When planting in raised beds always remember to include at least 3″ of an organic mulch. Organic mulches help to retain moisture around plant materials. This prevents water waste.
  3. Don’t forget to plan out your irrigation system prior to installing your raised bed. You may find you’ll need to plan in some openings to bring the irrigation up into the bed.
  4. We recommend installing drip irrigation for raised beds. It will provide just the right amount of water to your plants and decrease the likelihood of over watering your garden.

 

Summer Blooming Lavender

Summer Blooming Lavender

by | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Pollinators and Wildlife, Summer

The genus Lavandula is a favorite group of ornamental herbs native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. These are sun-loving plants that thrive in hot weather and grow well in the West in a wide range of soils, even compost-enriched garden loams, as long as they are well drained. Heavy, poorly drained clay soils can be fatal to lavenders.

In spring, before the plants begin to show signs of new growth, cut back the old stems by one-third to

re-invigorate the plant and encourage a good show of summer flowers. Lavender plants require two to three growing seasons to reach mature size.

The two major groups of Lavenders include the English Lavenders (L. angustifolia varieties) and the Lavandins (L. x intermedia varieties), which are hybrids between English lavender and another species, Lavandula latifolia. Generally speaking, the English lavenders have the deepest flower color, while the Lavandins are taller plants with larger flowers and longer flower stems.

The English lavenders are often preferred as a source of dried flowers while the Lavandins are typically used for oil production, potpourris and lavender wands.

Flower Fitness

Flower Fitness

by | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Spring, Summer

Many flowers will bloom longer or bloom again after a short rest if the spent flower stems are removed once the blossoms fade.

Wildflowers such as Penstemon may be longer-lived if the spent flower stems are removed before the plants put energy into producing seeds.

Unwanted self-sowing can also be prevented by cutting back plants after they bloom but before they form seeds.

Flowers in habitat gardens may be allowed to set seeds to provide food for wildlife and cut back after the banquet is over.

An extra deep watering or two may keep plants in bloom longer, especially if the weather has been hot and windy with little rain.

 

Creating Habitats That Attract Wildlife

Creating Habitats That Attract Wildlife

by | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Pollinators and Wildlife

There are several garden amenities that both wildlife and people find especially important:

Layers of planting from tall tree canopies to low- growing groundcovers. The protection of dense vegetation in some areas and open spaces in others: groups of shrubs, flowers and grasses of different heights clustered along the edges of open space. A diverse community of plants with colorful, fragrant, nectar-rich flowers, edible fruits and seeds.

The cooling presence of water — a small water feature, especially one located in a shady spot that trickles water into a covered reservoir so evaporation is minimized, will attract wildlife and people without wasting water.

Gardens that serve wildlife are maintained a bit differently:

Bird seed and nectar feeders should be refilled and cleaned regularly.

Nectar and seed-producing plants provide sustenance with a modest amount of water and seasonal pruning/dead-heading after the birds have taken all the food.

Learn to manage with little or no pesticide use, which is good for your health and your pets as well as that of your wild guests.

Occasionally wash away bird droppings (free fertilizer—think of it as their way of saying thanks).

Weed out some plants that germinate too successfully after being processed by our feathered friends.