In the Garden: Be a waterwise gardener

Too much or not enough water and never when your garden needs it. This is a common complaint of gardeners no matter where they live. Make a few changes in your plant selection and garden care to help manage water use while growing healthy plants.

All plants need sufficient moisture after planting and for several months to a year or two to develop a robust root system. Those labeled as drought tolerant are better able to tolerate periods of drought once established. Always water the area surrounding new plantings thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Gradually reduce the frequency, and once the plants are established, you’ll need to water less often.

Moisture-loving plants are good choices for areas receiving sufficient and consistent moisture throughout the growing season to meet their needs. In locations where this is not the case, consider grouping moisture-loving plants together so you use less water and can concentrate watering efforts to just one or two locations in your landscape.

Fluctuating periods of excessive and insufficient rainfall add to the challenge. Many native plants, once established, tolerate periods of wet and dry soil and can be found on lists of rain garden plants suited to your area.

Keep water in the garden, out of the storm sewers, and reduce the risk of flooding while improving your garden. Adding several inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil increases the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water. It also improves drainage in heavy soils.

Top dress existing gardens by spreading an inch of compost over the soil surface. Soil organisms will help move it into the soil to improve plant growth. Lend nature a hand by using an auger bit on a drill to aerate compacted soil. This pushes some compost into the top four to six inches of soil.

Mulching the soil with leaves, evergreen needles, or other organic matter also helps. This task has many benefits, including conserving moisture, reducing the risk of erosion and compaction, suppressing weeds, and as the mulch decomposes, improving the soil. A one-to-three-inch layer over the soil surface is all you need. The finer the mulch material, the thinner the layer of mulch that is needed.

Collect rainwater in rain barrels or cisterns when it is plentiful and store it until needed. Use this to water ornamental containers and plantings. Always check with your municipality first, since some restrict this practice while others offer rebates or rain barrels at a discounted price.

You won’t need to worry about mosquitoes breeding inside your rain barrel if you place an organic mosquito control product like Mosquito Dunks in rain barrels and other water features. Mosquito Dunks provide 30 days of control, are natural and organic, and won’t harm pets, fish, wildlife, or children.

Periods of heavy rainfall create another challenge. Covering the soil with plants and mulch helps protect your soil from compaction and erosion that often happens during these events. Planting trees, shrubs, and groundcovers will slow the flow of rainwater, increase the amount of water that stays in your landscape for plants to use, and help filter dust and pollutants out of rainwater before it enters groundwater.

Rain gardens are another strategy for managing water in your yard. These are designed to capture excessive rainfall, drain within 24 to 36 hours, tolerate dry and wet periods, and filter pollutants from the rainwater before it enters the groundwater.

Start by incorporating one or more of these strategies to help manage rainwater in your landscape. Continue to monitor success, adapt as needed, and include more options to help you successfully garden even during periods of excessive or limited rainfall.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.