Water turf when needed, but only if needed
Check for sponginess first, and in hot weather let the grass grow longer between cuttings. Most of all, give lawn attention!
Q: I want to be responsible while we’re in a drought period, but I really don’t want to give up my small patch of turf I have near the back patio. I water it regularly but want to know if I can “back off” some on the frequency of how often I water. Any suggestions on gauging how often I’ll need to water this small turf area?
A: That’s easy. Step on it! Literally. Walk across the expanse of turf. Come off of it and wait. Go get a glass of tea or make a project of deadheading any flowering annuals you have potted.
Ten to 15 minutes later, if your footprints are still noticeable, meaning the grass blades haven’t popped back up and look flattened, then it’s time to water! If you can’t see any visual proof that you’ve strolled across the turf then consider waiting another 6 to 12 hours to water again.
You could get down on grass level and poke your fingers into the turf and feel for dampness, too. If it’s wet and cool, then again, consider waiting to water. I will not suggest you take a lawn from every day water to perhaps every three but if you can push the lawns’ requirements without causing a lot of stress, do it!
Remember, too, that during the heat don’t cut the grass blades too short. By keeping the blade length longer you prevent the soil supporting the turf from heating up, which keeps the roots happier and not having to work so hard.
The “1-2-3-2-1 city-suggested watering schedule” is just about to ramp up a notch to No. 3 for the months of June, July and August. You can, if your established plantings require it, water three times a week. But if the turf doesn’t need a watering push it a bit further, making sure you are monitoring its needs, especially as we get hotter as the season advances.
Just remember to apply the water at the appropriate time of day. Overhead sprinkling between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is completely discouraged as that’s wasteful, and if “caught,” citable by the “water police”!
I’m pleased that you want to offer water when it’s needed as opposed to watering just for the sake of watering! Paying attention and making smart choices when it comes to watering will get us through this trial of weather we’re in!
Q: I’m noticing yellowing leaves showing up on the tropical hibiscus I’ve gotten back outside for the season. What am I doing wrong? I don’t want to lose it!
A: First thought is too much water. Make sure the container is draining properly and the plant isn’t drowning. Second, are you sure you’re keeping the container wet enough? Don’t allow the pot to dry completely ever. Yes, yellowing leaves can be a marker for either concerns!
If you don’t think watering is the problem it could be the plant is just dropping older leaf it’s determined it doesn’t need any longer or is just making adjustments to having been moved back outside. If it’s just a few to several leaves I wouldn’t get too worried.
Be sure to inspect for any sort of pest infestation like white fly and treat if necessary. Is the soil in the container “three seasons old”? If so a repotting to get fresh nutrients available could be the ticket. Just a few yellowing leaves isn’t the end of your hibiscus. Just pluck them away, keep the container adequately watered, and repot if needed and I’ll bet the hibiscus settles in for its life outdoors this year! Happy Diggin In!
GARDEN TOUR: Don’t forget to pre-purchase your Corrales Garden Tour tickets! The tour — June 3 — is fast approaching and you can save a few bucks by purchasing early! Go to corrales-gardentour.com.
Need tips on growing your garden? Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send your garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103, or to features@abqjournal.com.