Water Wise Garden

Gardening with Limited Water

Learn the best ways to care for your plants during this drought. Either select the link from the top navigation above or click here for links to helpful information about using less water in your garden.

May in the Garden

Water Lily

Checklist 

• Aerate lawns to improve water absorption.
• Check your watering systems for clogged and misplaced spray heads.
• Deep water trees and rebuild water basins. Mulch trees to reduce summer heat stress and conserve water.
• Check moisture of compost pile and turn over.
• Feed roses and remove faded blooms for continuous blooming.
• Fertilize lawn and established perennials.
• Apply at least 3 inches of mulch to garden areas to conserve water and prevent weeds.
• Fertilize indoor plants as needed.
• Fertilize aquatic plants.
• Feed citrus trees.
• Treat scale on ornamentals with light weight oil.
• Thin fruit crops to encourage larger fruit.
• Use nets to protect ripening fruit from birds.

• Cut flowers early in the day for arrangements.

Bearded Iris

• Annuals such as ageratum, lobelia, marigolds, zinnias, and annual vinca.
• Perennials such as alstromeria, coreopsis, dahlia, vinca (periwinkle), purple coneflower, Shasta daisy, and yarrow.

Salvia apiana

Vegetables & Herbs

• Start seeds in greenhouse or cold frame for cucumbers, corn, melon, squash.
• Directly seed cucumbers, corn, melons, squash, and lima beans.
• Transplant seedlings or purchased plants of beans, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, melons, cucumbers, celery, potatoes, summer and winter squash, and corn.
• Harvest onions, early shallots, garlic, carrots, potatoes, chard, beets, last of cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli.

Tea Tree

Trees & Shrubs

• Start planning for the fall planting season by visiting area gardens, arboretums, and nurseries to see trees and shrubs in bloom.
• Shade trees may be planted if they are watered regularly and deeply.