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C O N T E N T S Reader asks Dulley: Should I install skylight or go tubular? Creating the outdoor oasis of your dreams What to look for when checking out your summer garden A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • JULY 2018 By Catherine Jozwik Special to Waukesha County Home Less is more when it comes to watering plants, according to experts. There are several key techniques and many tools people can employ to ensure their gardens get the water they need. "Most plants prefer 1 inch of water a week to thrive," said Ann Wied, consumer horticulture educator for the Waukesha County UW-Extension. An empty tuna can or receptacle of comparable size can be used to measure the correct amount of water to use, said Wied. Mark Jorgensen, who co-owns Plant Land in Milwaukee with his sister, Karen Matt, said people tend to overwater rather than underwater their plants. "Overwatering can be just as bad, as it saturates soil to the point where it doesn't get enough oxygen," Wied said, adding that native Wisconsin plants have deep root systems and can tolerate drier conditions. "Once you overwater, you lessen the plant's chance of survival," Jorgensen said. Where the plant meets the soil Wied recommends directly watering where the plant meets the soil rather than spraying over plants. This way, weeds aren't watered. Wet plant leaves can also lead to fungal diseases. To make sure the plant absorbs water completely, moisten the soil a bit first, then go back and water. Putting down mulch — which soaks up water — in front of the Garden watering strategies for the heat of the summer Submitted photo See WATERING/Page 2 Water where the plant meets the soil. This avoids watering weeds and cuts down the chance of fungal disease due to wet leaves. Most plants need an inch a week — so don't overwater

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