JUNE 2014 SUNRAYS | 85
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
Prepare your landscape for what is sure
to be a hot, dry summer! Remember to
water early in the morning and to water
deeply, as infrequently as possible. Soak
the soil 6-8 inches, or as deeply as you
have soil. A few hours later, or the next
day, check with a long screwdriver or
moisture sensor to be sure soil is soaked
to root zone.
Even when the City of Georgetown per-
mits watering twice a week, it is better
to water deeply once a week—unless you
have very thin soil or a newly planted
landscape. Also, be sure to water in short
cycles to avoid runoff. A few years ago in
Sun City Texas, master gardeners found
through testing that there was runoff
after only eight minutes, so test your
area to be sure of the maximum time
for each cycle. The time slated for your
address to water by the City of George-
town should be the start time; you can
water in shorter cycles, which makes
you end later.
A most important way to save water is
to let the turf tell you when you need
to water. Watch your footprints. If turf
has moisture, the foliage will pop right
back up. If leaves stay compressed for a
while, it is time to water. Do not over-
June Tips for a Beautiful
Water Wise Landscape
Next month
:
Next month, join
me for design considerations for
your landscape.
Winola is a Williamson County
Master Gardener, a member of
the Sun City Garden Club and a
member of the Sun City Water Wise
Task Force.
Master Gardeners and other expe-
rienced gardeners are available to
answer questions a half hour be-
fore Sun City Garden Club meet-
ings eachmonth. The Garden Club
meets the secondWednesday of each
month beginning with the question/
answer period at 12:30 p.m.
By Winola VanArtsdalen
fertilize your turf, as this will cause more
top growth, but less root growth. Your
turf needs deep roots to be prepared for
drought!
JUNE GARDENING TIPS
• Limit planting—unless you want to
be out hand-watering in the blazing
summer heat.
• Remember to save seeds from your
favorites to plant again and to share.
• If we have 2-4 weeks with no rain,
remember that your bushes and
trees are your largest investment
and should get supplemental water.
The bedding plants are less expensive,
and the turf, if healthy and with deep
roots, will almost always return.
• Be careful with any chemical fertil-
izer, especially in summer. An or-
ganic alternative for feeding bloom-
ing plants is with a fish emulsion or
seaweed extract. They are effective
and environmentally friendly, having
a natural smell, not chemical. A soil
test is recommended before using any
fertilizer high in phosphorus.
• If you have researched and feel certain
you need to treat your lawn for white
grubs, the time will probably be now
through early August. With an ap-
proved insecticide, water deeply 2-3
days before application if soil is dry.
Before deciding to use a chemical,
research information on nematodes,
which have been proven to be effective
when used correctly.
Source: Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Service
Horticulture Questions:
Contact Williamson County
AgriLIFE Extension Office at
512-943-3300.
got grubs?
If you are interested in
using a chemical-free
method to treat white
grubs, beneficial nema-
todes have been proven
to be effective in treating
these lawn pests.
