Johnson's Spring Open House begins this Friday.
Hello, again!
That was quite a weekend weather-wise! Throughout the spring and summer seasons, I’ll continue to follow our meteorologists' advice for outdoor activities, whether it’s gardening, grilling, cycling or moving plants indoors or outdoors.
Last week, we were warned of a ‘bomb cyclone’ from our local weather forecasters. Basically, it was a winter hurricane to make its way across our region, bringing with it a threat of hurricane-force winds, floods, blizzard conditions and severe thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes. With our dry conditions and dormant prairie, and 60-70 mph winds in the forecast, the possibility of fires was high. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had Kansas and Oklahoma in the bull's eye for extreme weather, per their website.
The dry conditions got me thinking about the current water situation in our area. As you know, with Wichita’s current drought conditions and the ongoing once-a-week watering restriction, gardeners will need to be strategic about planting and maintaining their landscapes this spring. Choosing drought-tolerant plants will be essential. Native and well-adapted species are excellent choices since they require less water than other plants once established. Improving soil before planting can also make a big difference.
Adding Cotton Burr Compost at planting time will enhance moisture retention. Planting earlier in the season, ideally in late March or April, will give roots time to establish before summer heat intensifies.
Watering deeply but less frequently is key to helping plants develop strong roots. Overwatering is a common mistake, and a deep soak once a week is actually better than shallow, frequent watering. By using a soaker hose, you can provide a slow trickle of water which will penetrate the soil deeply without waste. Watering early in the morning will help reduce evaporation.
Mulching around plants with two to three inches of organic material will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Since lawns require the most water, it may be wise to let grass go dormant during the summer and prioritize trees, shrubs, and perennials instead.
Recently a group of nursery and landscape professionals in the Wichita area met to discuss how we all can work together and make recommendations to plant trees and shrubs wisely and in a water-conserving manner. You can read about that meeting here.
Plants are an important part of our environment and ecosystem. During the Dust Bowl days of the 1930’s, millions of trees were planted successfully and have been instrumental in saving our natural resources by preventing soil erosion over the Great Plains.
Ask us your questions about planting and water conservation. We're here to help. Also be sure to stop in for Spring Open House which starts this Friday!
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
