Keep Your Yard Happy and Bill Low With Hand Watering

It’s tough to watch your lawn and plants wilt in the sizzling summer heat. But there’s no need to panic. Your landscape will be just fine.

Those brown blades of Bermuda grass? That’s a drought survival mechanism called “leaf firing” that helps the grass slow down and survive drier periods. Lawns can go without watering for 12 to 21 days depending on the species and soil conditions. And your established perennial plants and trees? They can go even longer, easily getting by without water for 45-60 days.

Also, we’re still in Stage 2, which limits watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or soaker hose to 7-11 a.m. and 7-11 p.m. on your designated day, as determined by the last number of your street address.

But that’s OK because hand watering is the way to go. You can do it any time and your water bill will be lower for it.

So, do yourself and your landscape a favor and make the most of hand watering. And remember to visit GardenStyleSA.com for weekly watering advice and landscaping tips to reduce outdoor water use — all while still keeping your yard thriving.