| Hi, Last year I planted all new shrubs & some perennials. To my delight & excitement, they are starting to sprout now and I was wondering if I need to water them & how much/often. I feel like I was watering ALOT last year, but they were freshly planted. Will they need the same amount this year? Also, the one shrub that still looks dead is the Azalea. Absolutely no buds or leaves - should I assume it's dead by now and just pull it or is there still a chance? Thanks, Johanna |
| Water needs really depend upon the climate, your soil type, and the plant itself. In general, most landscape shrubs and trees need about one inch of water per week. You can apply a deep soaking once or twice a week (depending upon soil and weather). Until you get a feel for what your plants need, try watering deeply then waiting 3-4 days and checking the soil moisture near your plants. Dig down 3-4 inches to see if it is still moist. If so, you won't need to water for a few days. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the surface, it's time to water. Plants with deep root systems can endure hot water better than those with shallow roots. To encourage deep rooting you'll want to water deeply but infrequently. So give the above technique a try and you'll be able to provide just enough - but not too much water to your plants. Some azaleas are hardier than others. If all the wood on your plant is dead, it isn't likely that it will regrow this year. Try cutting one of the branches back. If you find green tissue, the branch is still alive and there's hope - if the wood is brown, it's dead and won't produce new leaves. Hope this information is helpful! |
