It is difficult, if not impossible, to forecast our weather two weeks ahead. Today I wonder if it will ever stop raining. When the rain does stop, it is possible that we will go directly into our traditional summer drought. Typically, from July on our main concern is watering the garden. Instead of trying to predict the weather, my goal is to be prepared for any situation. Once we head into summer drought, it is important to make sure the plants in our gardens receive at least one good inch of water each week.
The key for plant health in beds and borders is consistent watering throughout the growing season. Plants that are weak from lack of water are more susceptible to pests and disease. It’s best to water deeply rather than often. Soaker hoses are efficient in a mixed border of perennials, shrubs, trees and annuals. Lay a soaker hose out along your planting plan from one end of the bed to the other. Plant along the hose to assure adequate water to the root system of each plant. Cover the soaker hose with 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Vegetable gardens do well with drip irrigation. A vegetable garden is planted in a more orderly manner than a flower border. Plants are spaced evenly and in rows. With a drip system, each drip outlet takes care of the water needs of an individual plant. Tomatoes and peppers, eggplant and zucchini all love a well-watered root zone. If you haven’t done it yet, add an organic mulch to hold in moisture and retard the growth of weeds.
All container plants need special attention in hot, dry weather. It’s important to assure that each container holds enough water to keep the soil moist to within an inch of ground level. This may mean daily watering if temperatures stay high and the planters are exposed to the elements. Hanging plants are especially susceptible to drying out because the sides and the bottom of the basket are exposed to the elements.
Since water flows quickly through a hanging basket, it continuously leaches nutrients from the soil. Nutrients need to be replaced throughout the season for continued growth and flower production. At least every other week, mix a light solution of liquid fertilizer in with the water. If your plant’s soil should ever become completely dry, first water the plants well before adding fertilizer.
The disguise weeds use to grow amidst my garden plants often deceives me. Plantain Lily grows up and through my favorite perennial Black-Eyed Susan. It’s amazing how similar the leaves of the two plants appear to be. Shepherdspurse, with its arrow-shaped leaves, hides perfectly in a tangle of scabiosa foliage. Even the names of weeds sound like troublesome imps: Nimbleweed, Fleabane, Deadnettle, Quackgrass, Common Teasel and Nightshade.
Friend or foe?
Because weeds are such tricksters, it is often our job and our job alone to weed intricate flower borders. As the gardener in residence, we are most likely to know what new growth is friend or foe. Unless your significant other gardens by your side, it is unlikely anyone else will know a weed from last year’s plant sale purchase. I personally think this is one more blessing of the dedicated gardener. It is this attention to detail that makes a garden uniquely ours and it is worth the extra effort.
Four weeks ago, I sowed nasturtium seeds but they deteriorated in the relentless rain. Those I put in the ground two weeks ago are just now emerging in potted planters and flowerbeds. What a shame if someone were to mistake these seedlings for weeds. I like to sow nasturtiums seeds throughout the growing season. Their flowers add a jolt of energy to the garden with bright, golden-hued yellows, reds and oranges when the last of the spring flower show has died away.
How odd that these long summer days, with daylight lasting beyond 9 at night, can pass so quickly. It makes me wonder how I get anything done in winter, when it grows dark before 5 in the afternoon. Nevertheless, there is too much to be done and too many wonderful surprises yet to come to think about anything but summer. The scent of honeysuckle is heavy in the air.
For now, I’ll wander through the evening garden, looking for one more job to do before calling it a day.
Robb Rosser is a WSU-certified Master Gardener. Reach him at Write2Robb@aol.com.
