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Caring
for you newly installed landscape plants will help to keep them
strong and healthy following the trauma of planting.
How
to Water: Use a garden hose with a gentle stream of water or
wand (not a high pressure nozzle). Place the hose at the base of
the plant for 10-15 seconds. Thoroughly soak the soil near the roots
of the plant.
When
to water: Water in the morning if there has not been at least
1" of rain in the past 36-48 hours. After a heavy wind storm
with no water, it is recommended that you water plants that are
not sheltered from wind. Wind dehydrates plants. Plants need more
water in the hotter months.
When
NOT to water: Do
not water during the midday when the sun is hottest. Water will
evaporate before it reaches the plant roots and may be harmful by
causing roots to reach upward toward the surface water. Also avoid
watering in the evening. Moisture on the soil at night can cause
the formation of killing fungus and also attracts pests, such as
slugs. There is generally no benefit to watering plants if the temperatures
average below 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solutions
during a drought: Drip
irrigation
installed before a problem arises is the best solution. Drip irrigation
conserves water by delivering only as much as the plant needs, directly
to the roots. There is no water wasted due to evaporation. During
hot weather, do not cut your lawn too short. This exposes the roots
and speeds evaporation of precious water. Sufficient mulch
(2-3") in your beds will also help retain water. If you must
water, obey your local watering restrictions, water in the morning
only, and consider collecting rainwater in a rainbarrel.
Feeding
& pruning: Most
plants have very specific fertilization and pruning needs. In order
to get the most enjoyment from your plants, a little bit of care
can keep your garden looking it's best. Overfeeding can be harmful
to your plant. It may initially produce a spurt of growth and color,
but may weaken the root system. Follow all directions carefully
on the label of the fertilizer you are using. For best results,
contact the professionals at Noble & Co. for their integrated
agronomy
systems.
Information
on caring for specific plants can be found on the internet and in
many gardening books. Learn the names of your plants, do a little
research, and spend a little time caring for your landscape. You
will be rewarded by the beauty of nature at it's finest.
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