byMarc
Vargas
Colorado State University Extension Master
Gardener
Larimer County
Aquatilis-abolitum! You are now the great and mighty Water Wise Wizard. Here are tips for casting water-wise spells in your garden.
Don't water things that won't grow. Set your sprinklers to water your yard and not the sidewalk, driveway, neighbor's house, etc.
Water between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.—not during the heat of the day. This will cut down on water evaporation and water loss due to windy conditions.
If it rained, skip a water day. Check soil moisture with a six inch long screwdriver. If it can be easily inserted into the soil, skip the irrigation cycle.
Mulch, mulch, mulch. Apply mulch to reduce evaporation, retain moisture in the soil and control weeds.
Check and maintain your sprinkler system. Replace worn or damaged heads. Replace leaky valves. Adjust heads to vertical. Change out heads to a flow rate/distance/pattern that best fits the situation. If you don't have a sprinkler system, use a kitchen timer to remind you when to change locations for the hose.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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