Q: I am getting ready to purchase some items to be used for irrigation. Can you recommend something?
A: The best means to irrigate gardens, both vegetables and flowers as well as trees and shrubs, is through either drip or soaker hoses. This allows you to put moisture at the spot you want and it is very efficient in not wasting water.
If you are irrigating lawn areas, overhead irrigation is your only option. However, remember this form of irrigation is very inefficient. Studies have shown that in hot weather in the afternoon you can lose 50 percent of the moisture through evaporation.
Whatever means you decide to use, irrigating in the early morning is best, as it helps prevent disease and is more efficient. A few things to remember when irrigating:
• In the hot weeks of summer, most plantings need about one inch of moisture per week.
• Applications should be done once a week and no more than twice a week.
• Frequent light watering is very unhealthy for all plants, including lawns. Shallow, frequent irrigation brings the root system closer to the soil surface, predisposing plants to summer and winter kill, as well as, creating an environment more prone to disease.
• If using a timer, make sure you know how to turn it off. If it rains or the weather is cool, take that into account as you won’t need as much water that week.
Don’t forget that a dripping hose can still be used to water. You may have to manually move it, but it still will work if needed.
For more information call the OSU Extension Center, 14001 Acme Road in Shawnee at 273-7683.
