Summer is here and so is the heat! In Southeastern PA, we typically get plenty of rainfall over the course of the year, but changes in the climate are resulting in longer periods between rains in the summer. Gardeners can use simple strategies to improve their garden’s performance while saving water! Here are 7 steps you can take to reduce your water use while keeping your garden healthy:

1. Water your plants deeply in the morning. Morning is the best time to water your plants as it avoids the heat of the day, when excess water on leaves can burn the plant, and avoids the coolness of the night, reducing your chance of promoting fungal growth. Plants benefit most from less frequent deep watering at their base as opposed to a lighter overhead spray from a sprinkler. Deep waterings promote root growth which can help the plant access natural moisture in the soil long-term. Containers have limited soil, which means they can hold limited moisture. You may need to water them twice a day if you see the soil dry out or the plant starts to wilt.
2. Prioritize new plants and those producing fruits. Transplants are at their most sensitive in the first few weeks after planting so make sure that they have plenty of water to help them settle in their new home. It’s essential to make sure that you are watering at the existing root system to give the plant the best care possible.
   Summer fruits and veggies also need consistent water to produce your crops. Inconsistent waterings can lead to crop failure, or crop defects such as cracking in tomatoes.
3. Keep up with your yard maintenance. You don’t want to water weeds! Pull weeds out by hand and apply a layer of 2-3” inches of mulch. Reducing weeds will limit competition for water between your carefully picked garden plants and unwanted weeds. Applying mulch will reduce evaporation, allowing the water you do give the plants to be used more efficiently.
4. Skip the chemicals. Hot weather with no rain is not the time to be applying pesticides to the leaves of your plant. Applying chemicals during hot days can result in burning the leaves. If you need to apply chemicals, wait until night when temperatures are cooler. Always follow the directions on the label when applying pesticides.
5. Leave the lawn. There’s a reason that drought measures often include bans on watering lawns! Lawns are enormous wastes of water when it is scarce. Let it go brown. It’s not dead, just dormant. Raise the level of your mower to allow the longer grass to shade and cool the soil, which will keep your lawn looking healthier.
6. Plant drought-tolerant plants for the long-term. Droughts aren’t going away and may get worse. When planning your garden, identify areas where you can reduce your water needs by planting perennials with lower water demands. Succulent varieties like ice plants, stonecrop, and sedums can provide excellent groundcover that thrives in drier conditions. Some native plants are adapted to our local conditions and require less maintenance than non-native options. You can always start with a place in your yard where you hate to drag the hose and see how those options perform for you.
7. Practice water conservation with creative options. At Colonial, we proudly carry locally-made rain barrels. These barrels can be installed at the end of your gutters to collect runoff from the roofs on your home or shed. You can use the water in the barrels to water your garden. Who doesn’t love free water?
   Rain barrel not an option? Place a bucket in the shower with you to collect water that might otherwise flow down the drain. Conserve your pasta water and use that to water your plants. Check your faucets and hoses for leaks and repair them. All of these actions can reduce your water footprint and save more water for caring for your plants.

Good gardeners are careful with their resources. While these tips are particularly relevant during times of drought, the same principles can help you be a water-wise gardener even when water isn’t in short supply. We hope you have a bountiful and beautiful summer no matter the rain!

Colonial Gardens is an independent garden center located in Phoenixville in Chester County, Pennsylvania since 1967. We carry one of the widest selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, and food gardening crops in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We offer professional landscaping services and a full-service florist. Visit our greenhouse for unique houseplants and our gift shop for gifts and garden accessories. In the fall and winter, join us for our family-friendly seasonal events and Christmas shop.