Maintenance Matters
[ Found in the
Maintenance Path ]
Check irrigation systems periodically for breaks; adjust output to accommodate weather and seasonal changes.
Watch out for unwanted garden visitors—snails, slugs, insect pests and rodents.
Savvy design, careful soil preparation and proper planting techniques are critical
to successful waterwise gardening. You’ll also need to establish a regular maintenance
schedule to keep your landscape healthy and eliminate marathon outdoor workdays.
Enhance natural growth cycles by fertilizing occasionally and replenishing organic
mulches as they decompose. Be vigilant about pest and weed control. Prune and remove
dead flowers and stalks. Be sure irrigation systems are operating at top efficiency.
Optimal irrigation not only encourages plant growth, but also helps protect against
pests and disease. Too little water stresses plants, making them more vulnerable
to problems, while too much water invites fungi and other soilborne pathogens. Overwatered
plants also tend to become weak and overgrown, creating more pruning and waste disposal
work for you.
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| Soften the look and feel of paved areas with yarrow, thyme or other ground-hugging plants. Use drip irrigation, and you’ll still save water. |
To determine how much water your plants need at any given time, punch a hollow tube
into the ground, pull it out and take a look at the soil trapped inside. It should
be damp, but not soggy. Use this simple soil probe weekly or monthly to monitor
soil moisture and root growth. Regular maintenance does matter. Stay on top of garden
chores, and you’ll have more leisure time to take a walk, catch a movie or play
a game of chess.
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Use a simple soil probe weekly or monthly to monitor soil moisture and root growth. |