Thunderstorms during the morning hours, then skies turning partly cloudy during the afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..
Tonight
A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Watering is an important part of gardening. Plants will be healthy when sufficient water is available for them. Healthy plants will be able to fend off pests making less work for the gardener. Knowledge of watering practices may be the most important subject for gardening. Don’t overdo it. Over watering is the number one killer of plants.
The recent rains as been wonderful for our plants. Established plants should be growing just fine. When I checked the Mesonet for our area, the soil saturation of 65% at 2 inches is still ample moisture. At 4 inches, the soil is 72% saturated. Plant roots need oxygen and saturated soil will not be good for roots.
Checking the soil is necessary prior to watering. Watering Monday, Wednesday and Friday doesn’t make sense unless the soil is dry. If the rain sensor doesn’t shut off the irrigation system when it is raining or the night before, turn the switch on the controller to off. Turn it back on when you have checked the soil for dryness.
Soils that have a high amount of clay will hold moisture for a long time compared to a sandy soil. The use of mulch on top of the clay soil
and the time between watering is lengthened. This is using the water resource to its fullest.
Hot and drying winds can change the water resources for plants quickly. Clay soils will crack as they dry down. Established plants will be fine. Young plants will need to be monitored and watered as needed.
An inch of water per week during the growing season is a good reference point. This is good for actively growing plants like the vegetable and flower garden. Established landscape plants will survive on less. The goal for your plants will help determine the watering frequency and amount. My established trees and shrubs are on their own just like in the forest.
K-State Research and Extension has numerous resources to aid you in your watering practices. One can find publications and videos with watering information on-line. You are always welcome to reach out to me, as well.
You can find out more information on this and other horticulture topics by going to the Riley County, K-State Research and Extension website at www.riley.ksu.edu. Gregg may be contacted by calling 785-537-6350 or stopping by 110 Courthouse Plaza in Manhattan or e-mail: geyeston@ksu.edu
