Watering Newly Installed Plants
Newly installed plants have special watering requirements. Plants need time to adapt to new conditions and to grow new roots. The process of growing the necessary roots is called establishment, and it can take several years.
While they are becoming established, perennials and woody plants require at least 1 inch of water per week throughout the growing season. The growing season means any time the ground is not frozen. It usually begins when buds begin to swell in spring and ends when the ground is frozen in fall, but during a mild winter, root growth is ongoing, so the growing season may last all year. During the growing season, monitor rainfall by placing a container on the ground and measuring the accumulated water. Any time that there has been less than 1 inch of water in a week, water deeply to supply the needed amount.
For perennials, including grasses, ferns, and groundcover, give supplemental water as described above for one entire growing season. If you plant in spring, continue until the winter of the same year. If you plant in fall, continue until the winter of the next year.
For woody plants, both shrubs and trees, provide supplemental watering as described above for one growing season per inch of trunk thickness. In other words, if the thickest part of the trunk is 1 inch in diameter, continue for 1 entire growing season; if the trunk is 2 inches in diameter, continue for 2 seasons, and so on.
Deep watering is key. Shallow watering promotes shallow root growth. You can’t see root growth, although a good sign of it is a healthy, vigorous plant.
While they are becoming established, perennials and woody plants require at least 1 inch of water per week throughout the growing season. The growing season means any time the ground is not frozen. It usually begins when buds begin to swell in spring and ends when the ground is frozen in fall, but during a mild winter, root growth is ongoing, so the growing season may last all year. During the growing season, monitor rainfall by placing a container on the ground and measuring the accumulated water. Any time that there has been less than 1 inch of water in a week, water deeply to supply the needed amount.
For perennials, including grasses, ferns, and groundcover, give supplemental water as described above for one entire growing season. If you plant in spring, continue until the winter of the same year. If you plant in fall, continue until the winter of the next year.
For woody plants, both shrubs and trees, provide supplemental watering as described above for one growing season per inch of trunk thickness. In other words, if the thickest part of the trunk is 1 inch in diameter, continue for 1 entire growing season; if the trunk is 2 inches in diameter, continue for 2 seasons, and so on.
Deep watering is key. Shallow watering promotes shallow root growth. You can’t see root growth, although a good sign of it is a healthy, vigorous plant.
Watering Newly Installed Plants © 2016 by NatureSurrounds
This information may not be duplicated or shared without specific permission.
This information may not be duplicated or shared without specific permission.
