Arizona doesn’t get a lot of rain, but when we do, be sure to check your soil’s moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Plants typically need less water in the winter than during the warmer times of the year, even without the rain. Last weekend’s wet weather may further reduce the need for additional hydration from your irrigation system.
Depending on the amount of rain received, you may be able to shut your irrigation system off for all desert-adapted plants. Annual flowers should still be checked to ensure the soil they have enough moisture before completely turning off their water source.
If you are unsure about how much moisture your plants are receiving, you can probe your soil using a screwdriver. The screwdriver will move easily through moist soil but will stop when it reaches dry soil, telling you whether or not the moisture is reaching your plant’s roots. Specialized soil probe tools are also available to measure your moisture levels. When in doubt, always check these moisture levels before taking water away from your plants.
For additional information on turf care, visit our Learning Center at dlcresources.com/resources.
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