Still Need to Water, Water, Water
Here at my farm, we haven't put away any hoses or sprinklers just yet - it's been so dry with no rain in the immediate forecast.
I'm fortunate to have a strong well system, so we could keep all the gardens adequately hydrated. I designate one member of my outdoor grounds crew to oversee watering efforts - make sure sprinklers hit the most crucial areas, hand water young seedlings and newly planted specimens, and fill any birdbaths for thirsty wildlife. It's paramount that we only water what is necessary, and not waste the water we have. And hopefully we'll get some significant rainfall soon.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Here in the Northeast, while many of us are enjoying the mild autumn weather and colorful foliage, we’re missing the rain – there hasn’t been any rain here in weeks. The region is actually in a moderate drought. New York City is currently under a “drought watch.”
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- Here at my farm, the stream beds are filled with leaves, but no flowing water.
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- Because of the lack of rain, our hoses and sprinklers have been extremely busy. Here’s Phurba watering a newly planted Japanese Maple by my Tenant House. For newly planted trees, it is important to keep their root balls moist until they are established.
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- Already established trees with strong, deep root systems will be more drought tolerant, but some younger plantings do need supplemental watering during times like this.
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- Throughout the day, Phurba moves the sprinklers, so plantings get at least a half-inch of water. He keeps track of all the water used, so nothing is wasted or left too long in one place.
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- Here’s Phurba watering this columnar European hornbeam, Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata,’ which we planted in September. It is also just getting established in its new home up against my Carriage House wall.
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- Phurba makes sure to fill up the birdbaths, so visiting wildlife can find fresh drinking water.
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- Mornings are the best times to water – when water pressure is high, evaporation is low, and the soil can absorb the water before the sun heats up the ground. I have used Gilmour products for a long time. The height, distance, and spray patterns of these tripod sprinklers can be adjusted to suit so many garden needs.
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- When ready to use, the collar of these tripod sprinklers can be adjusted for partial to full circle coverage. A pin diffuser allows for a customized spray from powerful jet to gentle mist. I show every member of my crew how to use the sprinkler, so they can water properly and efficiently.
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- The round dial on top makes it easy to set the direction and length of the spray.
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- Phurba keeps an eye on what areas are watered and for how long. And every so often, he observes the sprinklers in action, looking for clogged or leaking heads that may need minor maintenance.
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- To avoid dry spots, sprinkler heads should be positioned so they overlap slightly in their coverage areas.
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- Phurba is excellent at setting the sprinklers so there is even and equal coverage.
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- I also remind the team to keep the tripod sprinklers at the lowest height, so there is maximum coverage on the garden plants below the branches.
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- Never direct hard spraying sprinklers at trees – this may mar the bark.
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- Here’s Phurba in the maze watering the newly planted Lemon Burst Arborvitae, Thuja Occidentals ‘Rutthu3.’
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- … And this Blue Atlas Cedar.
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- My potted trees also need water. I buy bare root cuttings and nurture them in pots before planting them in their permanent locations. These trees are all in a fenced area near my hoop houses.
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- If a hose must go over a driveway or interior road, be sure it is positioned straight across, so the least amount of hose is exposed to passing cars. I encourage my crew to be conscious of these details and to take good care of the equipment we use.
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- And here is Phurba by the pool hand watering one of the six Ginkgo biloba Goldspire™ Obelisk trees I planted last spring. They’ve all dropped some of their golden yellow leaves.
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- And then he heads to the Summer House garden to check on the ginkgo trees there. This one is still full of leaves.
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- Once the watering in an area is done, it’s extremely important to properly coil up a hose and turn off the water at the source. Just turning off at a sprinkler or nozzle puts a lot of pressure on the hoses and pipes.
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- If you’re in an area that is in need of rain, I hope all your gardens are still getting the water they need. And please use it wisely – make every drop count!
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