My daughter Mary and I decided to set aside a day to spend together before she went to college. Neither of us wanted to choose what to do on that day. I wanted to do whatever Mary wanted to do and she wanted to do whatever I wanted to do. We went back and forth about this for a few days, until I caved in. If I really did get to pick what we were going to do, then I chose canoeing on the Fox River. Although I work outside, I thought a day spent with an 18-year-old, away from electronics, amongst nature, would calm my spirit and give us time talk and laugh. Mission accomplished.
As we were paddling up and down the river, we noticed that the water level was at least 18â below what it had been in the past. It was a very visible reminder of what I have been observing in the landscape for several months; plants were showing signs of inadequate moisture. For this article, I asked Bob Tures, a very experienced nurseryman with strong ties to the Huntley community, to help us understand how best to water our plants.
Q: As you know, each year the growing conditions are a bit different, what have you noticed this year?
A: If you have a new landscape and the plants havenât fully rooted, in extreme heat they can show signs of needing water even though the soil is saturated. Check the soil moisture before watering so you donât drown them.
Q: In general, how much water should plants receive per week?
A: A good rule is 1â of rain per week. If using a sprinkler put a rain gauge out to check the amount, dig down and check how far the moisture went in when using a hose.
Q: What is the best method for plants to receive this water?
A: Soaker hoses work great for shrubs and trees, letting the hose trickle on the root balls of trees works well also. Sprinklers are best used in the morning to avoid diseases that occur from being wet too long overnight.
Q: What is the best method for homeowners to figure out if their plants are too dry or too wet?
A: Most people donât do it, but digging down in the soil is the only sure way to know how much or when the plants need water.
Q: What are some signs that plants may exhibit if it is not getting enough water?
A: Plants can turn pale green, lose leaves or turn yellow.
Q: What are some signs that plants may exhibit if it is getting too much water?
A: The signs for too much water are very similar as being too dry. Thatâs why itâs important to check the soil moisture.
Q: Bob, would you mind sharing with our readers a bit about your family’s history as it relates to the green industry in Huntley?
A: My great grandfather started the nursery 1924 in Des Plaines, they moved to a larger farm in Roselle on Rt. 53. In 1958, the nursery in Huntley, which was located across from where St Maryâs church is now, was started. The farm in Alden was started in 1995 and operated until 2012. My wife Nancy propagates about 50,000 shrubs and evergreens for other nurseries on the farm next to where the nursery was.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She will address it in an upcoming column.
