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Summer storms can sometimes be frustrating, drenching our lawns and gardens with buckets of water, or passing over our area and leaving us stranded.
I spoke with Ashley Frasca, host of Green and Growing on 95.5 WSB, about watering best practices here in the metro Atlanta area. Ashley recommends watering your lawn with an inch of water per week. Your garden also needs consistent water, but there are some drawbacks to keep in mind when hydrating vegetables and flowers.
Q: What are some of the most common mistakes Georgia growers make here in their gardens?
“Often, during these hot summer and fall months, we see many diseases, whether fungal or bacterial, that can be eliminated with proper irrigation techniques.”
“So don’t water plants from above, whether it’s a hanging basket, a bush, or any type of flowering shrub; water at the base, which is where the water really should go.”
“In this way, many diseases can be avoided through proper irrigation techniques.”
“Also, planting plants too close together can lead to disease and other problems. When plants grow too close together, there isn’t enough room for air to circulate, for air to move around, and for the plant to dry out, either from morning dew or rain.”
“Therefore, these are two of the most common mistakes and also easily solved.”
Q: What is the best way to water from a lateral?
“You can use a watering can or a hose, and sometimes for some reason you can’t get to the soil level, a lot of pots can absorb moisture. Every pot or container should have a drainage hole, so a lot of pots can absorb moisture with a tray underneath that holds water, and it can absorb it through the bottom and up through the roots.”
Q: What kind of general rule do you have for not planting too close?
“It depends on what you’re planting. If you’re planting small plants for bedding, you can usually follow the label’s spacing recommendations.”
“But when we are talking about a shrub or hedge that is going to grow a lot, I would almost double or at least one and a half times the width recommended on the label.”
Q: I had to remove a magnolia tree on my property that a previous owner had planted near my house. What other things should I consider regarding a poorly placed tree or shrub?
“If branches stick out of the gutters, all sorts of problems and moisture retention will occur. The roots can affect the sidewalk or the foundation of the house, so consider the right plant for the right location.”
