Proper Watering

Water Wisdom for Thriving Landscapes in NJ & PA

What do you mean by “proper” watering?

     Proper watering is making sure the plants, lawn, trees you have on your properties are supplied with enough water to sustain them and keep them alive. It’s a very simple thing to do and if everything is working right, Mother Nature lends her hand to help. You have to be well aware if we’re in drought situations, water restrictions, too much rain in a short period of time, etc., and respond accordingly.

How should I water?

     That question is answered with a question…How much rain have you gotten recently? It’s your job as a property owner, to supplement what nature isn’t doing for you, whether nutrients, light and yes, water. You need to be aware of each plant’s water requirements. There’s even a little tag that helps with that if you are clueless and you can look it up as well.  Grouping plants of similar requirements together makes it easier when watering as they can all be watered the same and everything else can be watered as needed at the time.

Any suggestions for planting locations to make watering easier?

     Yes, absolutely. Follow the directions, if you aren’t very experienced in gardening, and plant in the proper location.  Location, Location, Location is so important! Don’t plant shade loving plants in direct sun and vice versa. Don’t plant in poor drainage areas if the plants like drier conditions, etc. It’s not rocket science at all. Personally, as I stated above, I plant all my material that require similar amounts of water, in this case, they like moist soil, all around the same area so I can hit them every day and not disturb other “drier” plants. Cardinal flower, Turtle heads and swamp perennial varieties are all in one area of my property because of this.

What if Mother Nature helps out and it rains a lot?

     Very simply, don’t water and monitor the plants for when they will be ready for your assistance. Pay close attention to potted plants as they may not drain well and may need holes drilled or different soil. And help yourself by getting soil that holds onto moisture better, typically high in organic matter, and also if you planted trees for example, get some water bags for around the base, which will water the plants slowly. Drip irrigation is also very helpful, more helpful than overhead sprinklers.

Anything else?

     Yes, don’t be fooled if we’re in a drought and mature plants start to die as the dry weeks progress. No matter their age, they still require water. And if you happen to experience a drought in fall, water, water, water!!! Don’t be like most people and think that because it’s fall, that it’s time to stop garden work. Here in NJ in Fall 2024, we experienced the worst fall drought we ever had. Typically fall is moist, but sometimes, as in this case, we went from September to December without a drop. Mature plants started showing problems later in fall, then when spring hit, the plants died. Keep your guard up for sure!

How about my lawn?

     Very simply, green lawns are beautiful, but if you can at all help it, tail back the watering of grass. Grass will go dormant and come back once it starts to rain again, so give it a rest and

conserve instead.

*** Plant Health Organics is a 100% Organic land care company serving Central NJ and Bucks County PA. We are PROUD of the work we do and know full well that what we do is BEST for you and our world. Contact us at 908-335-0553.***  

Voted 2026 Best Landscape Company in Hunterdon County NJ              

-Joe Gentile, Owner Plant Health Organics, LLC

With offices in

  Frenchtown and Monmouth County, NJ