Splish Splash

Dear Fearless Homeowner,

Are you as tired of the heat and drought as I am? When we’re on track to break the record for the most days over 100 degrees in a summer, you know things aren’t looking good.

I can’t figure out how I ever played outside in Oklahoma summers as a child. I even spent a few weeks living in cabins without air conditioning each year when I went to camp! I have to laugh when I compare that to the summer I spent in New England during college. I was working as a camp counselor that year, and they shut down all camp activities and required everyone to spend the afternoon in the pool on the few days the temperature reached 90. We’d never have time for our toes to unwrinkle if we tried that strategy in Oklahoma!

Well, in addition to us feeling the stress of this hard summer, our lawns are also suffering. In an effort to keep your lawn and landscaping alive through these long hot months without breaking the bank on your water bill, there are a few basic rules to keep in mind about watering.

According to information from KOCO News, the bermudagrass most of us have in our yards in Oklahoma has roots that are down six inches deep, and the bottom of the root is where most of the water is absorbed. That means frequent short watering sessions may not even reach the root system before evaporating. Watering less frequently but for longer periods of time will work to ensure water penetrates deep enough to benefit the plant. It will also make the root system hardier as the plant learns to develop deeper, stronger roots to make the most of long watering sessions.

And the best time to water? Experts agree it’s in the morning. Your plants need watering in the morning so they’ll be prepared to endure the stress of the afternoon heat. If you’re hand watering, that will be the most comfortable time for you anyway, so it works out well for everyone.

Trying to maintain a container garden? I’ve heard local garden gurus say it’s not worth trying to keep plants hydrated and alive in containers smaller than 16 inches across the top. I’m not saying I haven’t attempted smaller containers myself, but I have to admit my live plant success rates probably prove their point.

For more information about how much water your lawn really needs on a daily basis, check out this cool site provided by the Oklahoma Mesonet. Based on local conditions, it shows you exactly how much water the grass in your area needs. It even predicts water requirements three days ahead of time and gives you the tools to calculate your water usage charges.

You might also consider attending the informational session offered by OKC Parks & Rec on Friday. Their gardening experts will be presenting the program “Water Saving Landscapes” at the Will Roger’s Garden Center at 9:30AM. Call 943-0827 for more information or to make reservations.

Stay cool and hydrated!

~Kristin