In the Houston area, we are blessed with an average of 50 inches of rain per year, however even with a bountiful rainy season, irrigation is a necessary need for most plants.
There are several ways to properly irrigate your yard:
An irrigation system. This option typically is recommended, but it may be costly.
In the long, however, it will run ease of maintenance and a lush lawn and garden will be the reward.
Portable sprinklers are another option. These have to be maneuvered and placed around the yard for complete coverage.
Hand watering is best left for container pots and small gardens.
Techniques to water your yard to ensure that the moisture is reaching the plants:
- Early morning watering is best – excess moisture in the evenings can lead to fungus.
- Regular spraying of foliage with water during the warmer months will clean leaves and deter some insect activity.
- During hot weather, container plants must be watered daily.
- If at all possible, utilize rainwater for watering.
- If you must water using city water, try to allow it to sit out overnight so that the chlorine and fluoride will evaporate.
- Do not water mid-day, most of the effort will be lost due to evaporation.
Mulching helps to maintain moisture and gives a clean appearance to gardens. It also protects the plant’s roots during the cooler months by offering insulation.