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Issue Date: April 6, 2003
Testing the waterers
Nourishing your plants doesn't have to be a chore. These handy methods will help you save time.
By Fran Sorin
With the first signs of spring sprouting up, it's easy to get caught up in the euphoria of gardening fever -- especially after a particularly long winter. Imagine a magnificent outdoor living area filled with sweeping flower beds and an abundance of container plantings. But then reality hits: Just the watering of all of these plants could steal another hour a day from your already hectic schedule. You quickly shelve your garden fantasy and think maybe you'll get to your garden when the kids are grown and you've retired from your job.
Mad for mulch
I know you've heard this over and over again, but it can't be said enough: Covering your beds in spring with 2 to 3 inches of mulch conserves a tremendous amount of water and suppresses weeds. You can use shredded bark, grass clippings, straw, hay, wood chips or shredded leaves.
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Well, think again. Over the past five years, several products have entered the market that can free you from the daily chore of watering everything from container plantings to large garden beds. Here's a roundup of the latest:
Self-watering containers. Some have water reservoirs at the bottom and wicking fabric that draws moisture up to the roots; others have built-in reservoirs with an external hole into which you can add water as needed. A few even have gauges that let you know when to water. These containers run from 12 inches in diameter to as large as a wooden whiskey barrel, and most are made of concrete, terra cotta or polypropylene. Designs also vary widely and include Italian-style terrace planters, window boxes, hanging baskets, troughs and conventional planters.
Water-absorbing mats. Some mats can hold up to a quart of water, taking it in rapidly and then slowly releasing it to the roots of the plant. Cut the mat to the size of your container and place it in the bottom before filling with soil. Although the mats supposedly allow you to water your plants once a week, I suggest you check the soil every three or four days to make sure it's still damp.
Soaker hoses are the most economical and efficient way to go. Even simpler: Punch holes in water bottles and set them next to your plants.
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Water-retaining crystals. Sold under various brand names, these gel crystals absorb up to 200 times their weight in water, then slowly release it into the soil as needed. Originally used by landscapers strictly for container plantings, crystals have been showing up more in garden borders lately.
Automatic watering devices. The right one can save you hours of watering and the hassle of moving hoses and sprinklers. A good timer can be set to turn on at the same time every day for as long as you need; it also allows you to pause the preset program without erasing it in case you want to do some hand watering. Take your time when shopping for one, and make sure you buy from a reputable dealer so your questions can be answered on the spot.
Drip/soaker hoses. Good ones should be pliable enough to move into your garden beds and to be shaped how you want. In the Mediterranean countries, gardeners often lay drip hoses in a trench so they're not exposed. Either way, this is the most economical and efficient method of watering a garden. A good soaker hose delivers water straight to the roots so it isn't wasted on the leaves; this also is more healthful for the plants.
Drip irrigation systems. A variety of modular systems is available. As with drip hoses, water is transmitted directly to the roots. You can design your own system by measuring the areas in your yard that need to be watered, then purchasing components to be pieced together with tubing. Again, buy from a reputable dealer; look for one with a good return policy and the time (and expertise) to explain such a system.
Simple irrigation methods. Aqua Cones, which look like skinny, plastic ice cream cones, let you irrigate plants by using empty plastic bottles. The manufacturer claims they work in any type of soil. To make your own version, punch a few small holes in the bottom of an empty bottle, place it next to a plant, fill it with water and voilà -- you just saved yourself a lot of time (and money).
One morning, when the dew is still on the crisp green leaves and the mist is meandering about your landscape, take a few minutes to turn on your hose and gently water a few containers filled with newly blossoming flowers. With this simple act, you develop a relationship with your plants, and you just may find a moment of grace.
Fran Sorin, a Philadelphia-area garden designer, is iVillage.com's garden expert and the host of a weekly call-in radio show. (Learn more at FranSorin.com, her Web site.) She last wrote for USA WEEKEND Magazine about planning a garden for your first home.
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