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News: Hot, Dry Weather Gardening Ability

 
 
 
Hot, dry weather can stress flowers causing them to bloom less grow poorly and just look plain bad. While you can’t prevent a drought or control temperatures, there are certain things you can do to help your plants survive with a minimum of stress and save water while you’re at it.
Five Steps To Keeping Roses And Flowers Healthy During A Drought
1. Apply water efficiently | Water deeply (to a depth of 12 to 18 inches) to wet the entire root zone, then let the soil partially dry before watering again.
2. Mulch | Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch, such as compost or bark chips, to cool soil, reduce evaporation and suppress weeds.
3. Get by with less |  Vigorous, succulent growth will use more water, which you don’t want during a drought. Apply less fertilizer, prune less and plant less, using flowers only in areas where they have the most visual impact.
4. Install drip irrigation | Drip applies water directly to roots without wasteful runoff or loss to evaporation.
5. Control insects and diseases | They stress plants, further weakening them. See the Natria products shown here. Check labels for specific pests to be controlled. Always read and follow label instructions.
After Drought, Follow These 6 Steps
1. Keep watering efficiently: Always water deeply to wet the entire root zone, then let soil partially dry before watering again.
2. Install drip irrigation: It applies water directly to roots without wasteful runoff or loss to evaporation.
3. Freshen mulch: Organic mulches break down quickly.  Reapply as needed to keep it 2-3 inches deep to further cool soil, reduce evaporation and suppress weeds.
4. Fertilize: To keep roses and flowers healthy and blooming,
5. Prune to maintain healthy growth: Remove spent flowers and control plant size during the growing season. In winter, prune to improve health, control the size, and increase bloom next season.
6. Continue to control pests: See the products. Check labels for specific pests to be controlled. Always read and follow label instructions.
 
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