Monday, June 3rd, 2019
Cincinnati gardening tips that help you use less water
When the weather heats up and the sprinklers get going we often get asked one simple question: How can I use less water in my garden? While we’re happy to help install water conservation systems to keep your plants and flowers healthy and growing, there are plenty of ways you can use less water in your garden easily.
In fact, just doing a few of the things on the list below can help you save water when you garden – and that will save you money on your next water bill, and possibly your energy bill, too.
Check the weather. Don’t use your own water when Mother Nature is going to lend you hers. During the summer months, Cincinnati lawns and gardens require about an inch of water every week. Sometimes, you can catch a break and let the rain do its job. Make sure to turn off any automatic sprinklers when the forecast calls for rain. And of course, check for high heat and humidity, too. There may be days when you’ll need a little extra watering in the garden.
Mulch. A lot. As a general rule, your trees, shrubs and flowers should be covered by one to three inches of mulch. This will keep the soil below cooler and the moisture in.
Purchase the right tools. There are tools out there that will help you keep your garden watered, and they’ll help you reduce the amount of water you use, too. Consider investing in bubblers, soaker hoses, and micro-sprinklers. These will help you tailor your garden’s watering needs so you’ll only water the areas that really need it – when they need it.
Water in the morning. The longer you wait in the day to water your garden or lawn, the better the chances are for the water to evaporate. Watering plants in the heat can also cause fungal disease. Not a morning person? Try watering your lawn at night after the sun goes down. Or, choose a sprinkler with a timer so it will turn on during the wee hours while you snooze.
Use water-conserving crystals. These are easy to find in any gardening or home improvement store. The crystals work by swelling as they absorb water. This can cut your watering usage by half.
The dangers of overwatering your yard. There’s more at stake from overwatering your yard and gardens than wasting money. It can also lead to root rot caused by lack of oxygen in the soil. And it can deplete the soil from the nutrients your flowers, plants and trees need to thrive.
Want to plant flowers that can withstand the heat and go without daily watering? Choose those with a shallow root system. Here’s some of our picks below.
Annuals. Sunflower, Celosia, Moss Rose, Summer Cypress, Zinnia, Cosmos, Four O’Clocks, Globe Amaranth
Perennials. Black-Eyed Susan, Daylilies, English daisy, Lamb’s Ear, Lavender, Blanket Flower, Butterfly Weed
Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.