Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
WHILE SETTING OUT HOSES AT 6:00 THIS MORNING, and breaking into a sweat even then (the entire Northeast is suffering high heat, oppressive humidity, and a dreadful drought), I couldn’t help but wonder: how do others water their gardens?
Do you water with hoses, soaker-hoses and sprinklers, as I do? Or have you an underground irrigation system? (If it’s the latter, well, I’m jealous!)
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Adele says
Kevin, right now I'd kill for an underground system. But installing one would mean digging up my flower beds, and that I simply won't do. So I drag the hoses around, just as you do.
By the way, it's hot as hell here in the midwest, too. Hopefully there will be some relief next week. I HATE humid weather!!!
Eric says
I'm in the hose and sprinkler camp.
Terry says
Really hot here in the Detroit area too! I use hose and sprinkler when I have to water in this kind of heat, otherwise I use water out of my rain barrels by dipping in a bucket. I could use some soaker hoses.
Lisa says
I think I'm overwatering. I have a section of my garden that is mostly shade, a section that is nearly all sun and a container herb and vegetable garden on the flagstone patio that is also nearly all sun. How much or how often should I be watering?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Terry – Rain barrels — great idea! I should be using these, too, at least for my contained (raised) beds in both kitchen and herb gardens.
Here's hoping Detroit gets heat-relief…soon.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Lisa – for plants in the open garden — sun or shade — it's best to feel the soil. Poke your finger 2 inches into the ground, and if it feels dry, go ahead and water…deeply.
As a rule, vegetables and also flowers in containers require water daily. During periods of high heat, plan to water twice daily.
Herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage require somewhat less moisture than others. I'd feel the soil one inch beneath the surface, and then water accordingly.
Katreader says
I use hoses, sprinklers, and soakers-but my mom taught me another trick I use, especially for new plants. I have plastic jugs that I've put small holes in the bottom. I fill them with water than place them next to the plant. The water slowly releases to give a good soak!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Katreader — excellent idea. I should try your mom's slow-dripping-jug-trick on a young viburnum here. The plant is in an isolated location, where I seldom set the hose.
Dallas says
I use Mini sprinklers but find watering on all side hard to do. I need to use my soakers but have no idea where to put the. I too mulch heavily with news papers and can find anyone that knows how to use soaker hoses. Under the news paper, on top of the news paper or what.