It is such a hot and dry time of year that it is axiomatic that the garden must be watched over for water needs.  I know that what I am about to say about watering is obvious, simple and maybe redundant.  But I think it needs to be said again.  First of all, different plants have different water requirements.  So don't just don't put succulents on the same timer or water line as roses and not expect there to be some trouble somewhere..  Be clear how much water is emitted at each station.   The emitters usually say on the product what the emission rate is in gallons per unit time  (as gpm or gph).  Secondly, if possible, use a drip system for individual plants, rather than overhead sweeps as lawn requires.  Thirdly, if you are sufficiently paranoid like I am, it is a good idea to check periodically – I do once monthly – just to make sure that the system is intact.  Leaks and timer problems seem to be controlled by a poltergeist so the mysterious and unexpected is very possible.  I personally would go around to all the stations just to make sure that the bubblers and lines are intact and doing their job.  I figure that in this weather if I were to wait for the plant to let me know it is distressed, it is going to be too late.  Going all around, incidentally, also gives me a chance to look under each plant for weeds and to spot-mulch if need be.

Fourthly, just to be on the safe it is worth checking your smart meter at least once during the dry season.  I didn't know how to do this myself until after I got a very large water bill and called the water company.  Much to my surprise, I was able to get an appointment with the meter-reader and I asked for a quick lesson in how to read the meter.  The newer meters may have more information than the old ones but the usage figures are somewhat buried.  But the company was very cordial about having someone come out when I was home to give me a lesson in reading the meter.  I discovered that with a drip system it is very difficult to keep track of some leaks and often the best first step from reading the meter is getting onto whether there is a leak.

Unlike some of the other resources needed for gardening, water is a particularly scare community resource.   Too much use is reflected in a bill; not like Round-up which shows its overuse by illness in the user, infiltrating the water supply and beyond.  Still, it is a non-renewable resource shared by all of us.  Not to be squandered.

When interviewing a person for gardening assistance, good to ask if they are equipped to check your irrigation system.  Might as well not go through this hiring process more than once if that is avoidable.  It is a specialized skill, but an experienced gardener can see when plants are stressed and they may have enough experience to call your attention to the location of the breakdown.

Sorry if this note is too ‘preachy'. The topic is important and, as far as I am concerned is underemphasized.  Amen!