August is one of the hottest months of the year here in Jasper, GA and the increased temperatures mean that you need to pay special attention to your plants and their needs. Even with the frequent rain that we have received, it is important that you water your gardens when they are looking dry. Often times, we think that it has been raining for days on end and when it finally stops, it takes us a week or more to realize that the skies have finally cleared. During this week, while you may think that the ground is wet and your plants should be fine, what is actually happening is that their roots and the soil have begun to dry out. To help keep your gardens alive through the sweltering heat of August, here are some tips from Whispering Springs Nursery.
Watering Established Plantings
Your established trees, shrubs, and plants do not need daily, light watering. Instead, these plants benefit most from one deep watering a week. The amount of water your established plants need each week should amount to about an inch including the rainfall in your area and irrigation. If you water these plants frequently and lightly, it encourages shallow root systems and high water loss through evaporation. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deeper rooting and stronger, healthier plants.
Watering Annuals and New Plants
If you have chosen annuals for your gardens that are not drought tolerant, you need to be especially thoughtful with your watering. Make sure to water your annual beds early in the morning to reduce evaporation and give them plenty of moisture to make it through the hot day. These beds will probably need more than one inch of water a week, so just keep an eye on their leaves and the soil moisture to know when they are ready for more water.
With these simple tips, your gardens should do well through the rest of the hot summer months. When you’re ready to plant again this fall, make sure you come by our garden center in Jasper, GA – we’ve got the plants you’re looking for!
