The older I get, the more I believe in emulating nature when it comes to yardening. I cover all our soils with mulch. I only use organic inputs. And, I have a laissez-faire attitude toward watering. I let nature water trees, shrubs or perennials. Heck, I don't even water the lawns anymore.
This year, however, things are a bit different. The weather is reminding us that we'd better get used to global warming, with temperatures in the high-80s in Fairbanks, high-70s in Anchorage — even reaching 84 degrees in Deadhorse! How these hot days must skew the averages for rain and temperature on the old weather map of Alaska. And, how such weather skews my normal attitude toward watering.
The thing about plant water uptake is that it does more than prevent the plant from wilting; it's the water filling up the cells of the plant that give it shape and structure. In other words, prevents the plant from wilting. In addition, and often forgotten, this water is what brings the nutrients to the plant roots, up into the plant and then circulates them inside the plant so they get to where they are needed. (All of this is explained, with great humor and style in "Teaming With Nutrients," which you should read.)
When it is dry, it not only becomes more difficult for plants to take up the necessary nutrients. It is more difficult for the essential nutrients to move into the root zone so they can be taken up. The soluble ones have little water to travel in. The insoluble nutrients "stick" to their substrates instead of moving to the roots. Once you know the science, you can easily understand why there may be need to add a bit of water this year when we go through hot spells.
Ah, but you say, you have been listening and know the ideal situation is one in which your soils never dry out because they are covered with mulch that holds moisture in, slowing evaporation. However, when it becomes very hot and dry, the mulch itself dries.
When you water trees and shrubs, the idea is to get the area around the drip line soaked. You want the water to penetrate and go down 6 to 12 inches, not sit on the surface. It is easier with warm water rather than cold if you can pull it off. Drip the water over a long period of time rather than try and apply gallons all at once.
Make sure you or the rain thoroughly dampen all the mulch you have been using. Emulate nature. Notice that we get gentle rains most of the time. Don't rush things. A sprinkler in the perennial garden is much better than spending a minute blasting a plant with water from a hose and moving on to the next plant.
I let the rain water our lawns these days. I am perfectly happy with it being a bit dry. However, if you must water the lawn make sure it gets at least an inch or more of water per week between you and the rain. Instead, you might consider not mowing at all during warm weather. You have an excuse. The lawn won't need as much water. Or, if you must mow, at least raise the height of your blades so the lawn plants remain 3 or even 4 inches tall.
Finally, just because we do occasionally get rain with this warmer-than-normal weather, don't assume your plants are getting enough moisture. You can make a rain gauge for the lawn, but you need to get under that mulch to check for yourself for the rest of your plants. I never thought I would say it, but don't let a hot summer ruin your gardens.
Jeff’s Alaska Garden Calendar
Renee Shepherd lecture: My good friend and fellow garden writer, Renee Shepherd, who also happens to publish one of the best seed catalogs around, Renee's Garden, speaks on July 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the BP Energy Center (900 E. Benson Blvd.). Renee knows her seeds. She is a great lecturer and gets my top recommendation. You should really, really attend. Get tickets at alaskabg.org/event/renee-shepherd-lecture/.
Raspberries: They are ripe and should be harvested. Watch out for those yellow jackets that also want to harvest some.
Butter and Eggs: OK, they are now blooming and each flower has hundreds of seeds. Get them before they develop further. I am warning you: They will take over your yard.