Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

Watering Your Garden in the Summer

Q&A with Maureen Taylor, Professional Gardener

For gardening in arid zones

Under the canopy of a California Friendly garden, I chatted with Maureen Taylor, a California native gardener and landscape designer, to find out the best ways to care for a California Friendly garden during a hot summer. Below are some gardening tips she shared with me that can help many Southern California residents:

Gnorman: How often should I water my garden over the summer?

Maureen: Gardeners should be adaptable and adjust their watering according to the weather to mimic how nature waters plants. Because it’s summertime, it’s natural to think that you have to water your plants more. But most California Friendly plants have adapted to drier conditions during the summer. Some species, such as oaks, are especially sensitive and can die from overwatering during a heat wave. To prevent this, check weather forecasts and water before a heat wave. Always water during the coolest time of the week. Watering during extreme heat can lead to fungus or even plant death!

Gnorman: How do I know when my plants need more water?

Maureen: Always check to make sure the soil is dry. You can test the moisture level of the soil by digging a little or using a soil […]

Recent Posts

Invisible Threats: Understanding Water Contaminants in the U.S.

Clean water is essential for life, yet millions of Americans unknowingly consume contaminants through their…

1 month ago

High levels of microplastics in human brains appear to be increasing

Human brains contain higher concentrations of microplastics than other organs, according to a new study, and the…

2 months ago

California: executive order to help capture and store more water from severe storms

From the Office of the Governor: In anticipation of a multi-day, significant atmospheric river in Northern California,…

2 months ago

Experts give the real facts on California water

From Governor Newsom: Scientists, water managers, state leaders, and experts throughout the state are calling…

2 months ago

Water Quality and Protection

Photo: A harmful algal bloom in Milford Lake, Kansas, made the water appear bright green.…

3 months ago

World’s Fifth-Largest Economy Is About to Ban Most Polystyrene Foam

An expanded plastic foam coffee cup is at a donut shop in Monterey Park, California.…

3 months ago