Like anything else, planning ahead is the key to successfully getting your trees, shrubs and lawn through dry periods.  The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension say your actions now will affect how well they stand up during a hot summer stretch.

While we have seen our share (and then some) with recent rainfall, a dry and hot summer is predicted from forecasters.  A couple of things to keep in mind; The deeper you water the deeper the roots of trees and shrubs will grow.  And soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems provide water right where it’s needed, the roots, versus losing moisture to wind and evaporation as sprinklers do.  Consider collecting rain water via rain barrels.

To improve water retention, add polymer crystals to the soil; they absorb moisture from rain or irrigation and slowly release it to plants over time.

Mulch is another good way to keep moisture in the soil.  It will help keep the soil from drying out. Compost serves as the best mulch in that it provides organic matter back to the soil. If not compost, consider other organic choices, such as wood chips or leaves; any material which breaks down and further enhances the soil.

The Master Gardeners have more details on when and how much to water in their online fact sheet or call the Horticulture Hot Line Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to noon at 315-736-3394.

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