Many homeowners install irrigation systems for their lawns; it makes watering the lawn easy. The homeowner sets the system for early watering, and no one is required to wield a hose. However, the same principle does not translate well for irrigation systems in garden beds. Yet more and more — including three times already this week — I see irrigation systems installed in gardens. This practice presents a bit of a problem.

Irrigation systems in garden beds can actually limit the type of planting a gardener can do. Often, people select plants for color and bloom time, not for consistency in watering needs. But irrigation systems are not selective in watering like the gardener can be. So while some plants need more water than others, all receive the same amount of attention with an irrigation system — and, quite often, over-attention.

Over-attention means that garden beds become too wet, which in turn rots many plant roots, resulting in a sickly looking plant or a dead one.

My recommendation? Don’t install an irrigation system in a garden bed. In my experience, a new garden bed or new plants require regular water to become established — generally the first full season after planting. An “established” plant is one with a root system that allows it to tolerate variable amounts of moisture. After that, plants should not require regular watering, unless they do not tolerate dry or hot conditions. Of course, in exceptional circumstances like a drought, plants will require more water. Watering may be accomplished through a sprinkler or soaker hose on a timer, with the hose or sprinkler positioned to give more coverage to plants that need extra water.

Another recommendation is xeriscaping, and we don’t meant cactus!

Xeriscaping is an increasingly popular style of landscape design involving little or no irrigation or other maintenance after the initial season. This type of landscaping actually reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Not only is this style environmentally responsible, but the types of plants used to xeriscape often have an extended bloom time, which is particularly attractive to garden owners.

If you have questions about irrigation on your own property, please feel free to contact us. Also, if you are interested in integrating a xeriscape design, Custom Gardens offers consultation, installation, and maintenance of designs that are beautiful, low maintenance, and environmentally conscious.

Allow us to help you get the look you want, indoor and out!

Sincerely,

Ellen Covner
Custom Gardens, LLC

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