How to Limit Yard and Garden Watering

Tips to reduce summer watering and still keep plants alive!

• Mulch around plants with shredded bark mulch, aged compost mix or aged manure mix.
• If you can't mulch large areas, spread a good layer of straw (not hay as it generally houses weed seeds).
• Hoeing the ground around the plants brings moisture closer to the grounds surface for the plants.
• Plant perennials closer together to shade the ground.
• Use soaker hoses where needed instead of overhead watering.
• When watering with a garden hose, water only the ground around the base of the plant - not the leaves on the plant.
• Water late evening or early morning only.
• Hold off any fertilize applications until the weather is cooler or it rains as plants will be less stressed.

Apply these tips and summer watering will go smoothly!