Drought-resistant plants growing in the wild develop extensive root systems in order to reach moisture deep in the ground. When you purchase plants grown in a nursery , their roots will be limited to the small area within the container. You should expect to give a new plant a little extra care for the first two years it's in the ground. Expert Tip (Tim Thibault, horticulturist): Transplants need time to acclimate to their new surroundings, too. The first two years after transplanting is the most critical time because plants may lose up to 85% of their fine root system following transplant. It will take about two years for the plant to grow these roots back. One way to help ensure a healthy garden -- and make it even easier to maintain -- is by installing a drip irrigation system. Drip systems can be purchased in kits or the parts can be bought separately. Instructions: Assemble tubing, pressure reducer and the fertilizer-water proportioner. (The proportioner allows you to add fertilizer directly to the irrigation system). Attach the system to a nearby water outlet (figure A). Run tubing between the stone pavers and wherever plants are positioned (figure B). Make holes in the tubing with a punch tool near each plant (figure C). Don't use an awl or an ice pick. These may completely puncture the tube or create a hole too large, compromising the necessary water pressure in the system. Place an emitter in each punched hole to direct water to the plants (figure D). The emitters exactly control the water dispensation of the system. FYI: To water hard-to-reach spots in the garden, use a stake with a micro-spray head . The stake can be attached to an emitter with a piece of quarter-inch tubing (figure E). A stake sprayer can also help you tell when the drip system is running since its operation is so subtle. To keep the system clean and running smoothly, it's a good idea to flush out the tubing every six months.
RESOURCES :
Drip Irrigation Kit
Strong Enterprises
Roseville, CA 95747
Phone: 916-797-1056
Fax: 916-797-1056
Website: www.DripIrr.com
GUESTS :
Tim Thibault
Email: thibault@descansogardens.com
Website: www.descanso.com
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