Eye on Extension: Watering tips for homeowners

VALLEY — For starters, Marvin Reynolds, Area Extension Agent for Colorado State, wants to let you know that the Calley now has several newly trained Master Gardeners in the San Luis Valley.

They are in areas such as Costilla, Conejos and soon Alamosa Counties. These folks work in different parts of the San Luis Valley and travel is no problem. Please contact the office at 719-852-7381 if you would like to speak to a Master Gardener.

So, now let’s talk watering tips.

Using good water conservation practices is a good idea any time but is especially important during times of drought. With our winter water content low, now is a good time to think about how we water lawns, gardens, trees and flowers.

Let’s start with ideas for maintaining our lawn: One of our first steps should be to take a look at our lawn sprinkler system. If we have a sprinkler system, we need to make sure it is watering the lawn and not the sidewalk or street. Any sprinklers that are watering on the hard surfaces should be adjusted to reach the lawn. Water between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. This will reduce the evaporation and help the water percolate into the soil. In time the grass roots will work deeper into the soil increasing the depth where they can draw water from.

Look for footprints or mower tracks in the lawn. If you can see footprints or mower tracks easily then it may be time to water. If the lawn has a bluish-gray color, it needs water.

If you are using a garden hose to water the lawn, you can put the hose on a timer. Then, if you forget to move it in time it will shut off and conserve water. You can set a timer in the house to remind you to turn off or move your hose. Check the sprinklers to see how much water they are putting out. This will help determine how long you should water.

Other things we can do include, mowing at the highest mower setting possible. Have a sharp blade and leave the clippings on the grass. Aerate the lawn. This will allow for better water penetration. Be willing to accept some brown spots in areas. We may need to accept a less than perfect lawn. Brown spots can also be hand watered to help them. Fertilize with iron or nitrogen fertilizers at lower rates. This will slow the growth of the grass reducing water needs.

Some thoughts on watering flowers. Flowers probably need less water than a lawn. Adjust your watering methods in these areas. Know the tolerance of the flowers to reduced watering. If planting, consider low water use flowers. Mix peat moss, compost or other organic matter into the soil to help water efficiency and plant growth. Check new planted flowers daily for a few days to help them get established. Then gradually reduce water to them. Mulch will help reduce evaporation, retain moisture and help control weeds.

Established trees have a root zone wider than the tree is tall. Water trees around the drip line. Don’t water near the trunk as there are no feeder roots close to the trunk of a mature tree. Normal landscape irrigation will provide adequate water for trees.

Fruits, berries and vegetables will need water to help them bear fruit and produce edible products. Some plants need more water but principles all remain the same, manage the water for plant needs.

  • Raspberries, strawberries and vegetables. Use mulch around the plants and consider using drip irrigation as it’s more efficient than overhead spraying.
  • Apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries and other tree fruits should be watered the same as other trees discussed above.

DO YOU HAVE A NEW LANDSCAPE?

REMEMBER: establishing new plants and lawns will initially require more water. Be sure to adjust initial watering cycles to maintenance levels after the landscape is established. Mulch where possible to conserve moisture.

If you have questions, give the Colorado State University Extension Office a call. With our new group of trained Master Gardeners we can be more efficient answering questions in a timely manner.

For more information, you can call the Colorado State University Extension, San Luis Valley Area Office at 719-852-7381 or 719-274-5200.

Please feel free to visit our website at: http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu for information about services provided.

Extension programs are available to all without discrimination, Colorado State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating.