I presented a few “plant irrigation” talks this past weekend at the “Flower and Garden Tour”. It probably should have been named “Scott´s Watering Rant” instead.
The purpose of this educational program in watering plants was to encourage homeowners to water properly to conserve water and to culture turf to be healthy and long lasting. The idea is to water according to the plants needs, weather it is a tree, shrub, fescue or flowers.
In general we water way too much! Bermuda grass is drought resistant and does not need as much water as tall fescue. Don´t water on a calendar basis; rather, monitor the turf and the soil. Water only when it is hot and dry, watching for signs of wilting. The onset of wilting is accompanied by a change in turf color to a bluish-gray cast. When watering, soak the turf thoroughly to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Avoid light, frequent watering (except on newly-planted lawns) because it causes shallow rooting. Try to water in the morning when the temperature is cooler and it is less windy.
Watering Bermuda grass correctly saves water and will also help keep weeds down!
