Look at the Soil
Seems like the weather is never too predictable in North Texas, but who could have predicted that we’d reach the middle of July without ever reaching 100 degrees — and that our lakes would be full!
The abnormally high rainfall this summer is good news in some respects — but bad news because it has brought a bumper crop of insects and diseases to our area. (Remember to bring us a sample of any plant you’re having problems with, and we’ll diagnose it for you.)
Even with all the rains and saturated soil, I still see homes and businesses that apparently have the automatic sprinkler systems set to run, rain or shine. Folks, this not only wastes money and water, it contributes to the fungus problems in your yard.
Unless you’re going to be out of town for a couple of weeks TURN THAT SPRINKLER SYSTEM OFF and run it manually when the yard is dry! The sprinkler clock does not know if your lawn and shrubs need water (unless it’s way more sophisticated than most). But you can tell by walking across the lawn and checking the soil in the flower beds whether it’s time to run the sprinklers.
Don’t get me wrong — we are certain to have hot, dry weather again, probably very soon. Don’t think that the heavy rains we received in June and July will last till September if the weather reverts to “normal” summertime temperatures. Plants that have put on lush foliage growth early this season will require plenty of water through the hot weather to maintain that foliage.
But you need to monitor the soil and weather conditions and water accordingly. Don’t look at the calendar, look at the soil!