Water Smart Outdoors
Next time you reach for your hose, remember that one of the most common ways pollutants reach our ocean is through irrigation. If that isn’t reason enough to curb your use, know that watering in excess can be detrimental to your landscape by encouraging weeds, promoting disease, and causing other harmful effects on your lawn. Check out these easy tips to lessen your outdoor water use.
Let Drip Irrigation Do the Work
A drip irrigation system provides water directly to your plants, and allows you to control how much or how little is distributed. Drip irrigation systems range from inexpensive soaker hoses to elaborate computerized systems. Sure, there may be an upfront investment, but you’ll likely use less water, which equals more money in your pocket.
Micro-Manage Your Sprinklers
We’ve all seen sprinklers that water everything but the lawn. Don’t be that person and check the angle, and type of sprinkler heads you have, so that you water things that grow—and not your neighbor’s car.
Timing is Everything
Water Early
Water before 10 a.m. when plants are less stressed and can take up water more efficiently. Plus, evaporation is highest at midday, so you might as well make your watering count. Watering early also reduces the risk of plant disease and rotting because of excess moisture.
Water Less Often, But Longer
When we water less often, such as every few days, and for longer periods, we’re allowing roots to grow deeper and stronger. This matters because plants with shallow roots are more prone to heat stress, disease, and damage. On the flip side, plants with deeper roots are hardier and don’t need water as often. The amount of time you should water really depends on the plant species and how quickly your soil type absorbs water.
For tips on how to care for your thirstiest plants with techniques such as mulch, check out our Plant Pono tips
Avoid Over-Watering Plants and Trees
Plant roots need to breathe, but excess moisture can push oxygen out of the soil, depriving roots of the air they need to survive. That’s why drying periods are so important. Plus, excess watering can reduce root growth, increase disease problems, encourage weeds, and contribute to soil compaction—none of which are good. If you have a problem, but aren’t sure if overwatering is your issue, get expert help from the Maui Master Gardener Program. Just contact the Help Desk via email or call 808-244-3242, ext. 228.
Let Drip Irrigation Do the Work
A drip irrigation system provides water directly to your plants, and allows you to control how much or how little is distributed. Drip irrigation systems range from inexpensive soaker hoses to elaborate computerized systems. Sure, there may be an upfront investment, but you’ll likely use less water, which equals more money in your pocket.
Micro-Manage Your Sprinklers
We’ve all seen sprinklers that water everything but the lawn. Don’t be that person and check the angle, and type of sprinkler heads you have, so that you water things that grow—and not your neighbor’s car.
Timing is Everything
Water Early
Water before 10 a.m. when plants are less stressed and can take up water more efficiently. Plus, evaporation is highest at midday, so you might as well make your watering count. Watering early also reduces the risk of plant disease and rotting because of excess moisture.
Water Less Often, But Longer
When we water less often, such as every few days, and for longer periods, we’re allowing roots to grow deeper and stronger. This matters because plants with shallow roots are more prone to heat stress, disease, and damage. On the flip side, plants with deeper roots are hardier and don’t need water as often. The amount of time you should water really depends on the plant species and how quickly your soil type absorbs water.
For tips on how to care for your thirstiest plants with techniques such as mulch, check out our Plant Pono tips
Avoid Over-Watering Plants and Trees
Plant roots need to breathe, but excess moisture can push oxygen out of the soil, depriving roots of the air they need to survive. That’s why drying periods are so important. Plus, excess watering can reduce root growth, increase disease problems, encourage weeds, and contribute to soil compaction—none of which are good. If you have a problem, but aren’t sure if overwatering is your issue, get expert help from the Maui Master Gardener Program. Just contact the Help Desk via email or call 808-244-3242, ext. 228.