Page 20 - 5-24-21

Page 20, RURAL-URBAN RECORD, May 24, 2021

How to keep gardens safe
scathed. Eartheasy notes that planting by taller, more es- the water runs through these channels, gravity distributes it
in summer heat waves tablished plants can provide new plants with shade that can accordingly.
Surface irrigation systems require minimal effort but are
help them survive heat waves. Just make sure new plants
can still get the sun they need to thrive. best suited for farms and commercial enterprises because
Summer is a season to relax and enjoy the warm weath- Heat waves are inevitable and potentially harmful to gar- they require a large reservoir or pond to accumulate water.
er. Basking in the summer sun is a great way to relax, but dens. Gardeners can help their plants beat the heat in vari- Also, uneven terrains could divert the water.
only when the temperatures are safe. Summer heat waves ous ways. Drip irrigation system
can compromise the health of human beings as well as their This type of irrigation system is used primarily in arid re-
pets. Gardening enthusiasts also may need to go the ex- The pros and cons of gions. It is made up of lateral lines of flexible or rigid poly-
tra mile to keep their plants and gardens from wilting under ethylene pipe. Drip irrigation allows homeowners to focus
harsh summer sun. irrigation systems watering on a particular garden area. It provides moisture
Extreme heat stress can be very harmful to plants. The directly to the soil. Therefore, there is no water waste from
online gardening resource Gardening Know How notes that runoff or evaporation. Drip irrigation waters plants slowly and
some plants can withstand summer heat waves better than Maintaining a lush, green lawn and thriving landscape that can cause less soil erosion and reduce nutrient leeching.
others. For example, succulents conserve water in their includes shrubbery, flowers and trees requires time, money While easier and more effective than some other irriga-
leaves, helping them to withstand heat waves when the dog and often some sweat equity. However, the beauty that re- tion methods over the long haul, a drip irrigation system has
days of summer arrive. But succulents are unique, and many sults from such effort compels many homeowners to take on a substantial startup cost. In addition, the system can get
plants will require a little extra help to withstand a heat wave. the landscaping challenge. clogged at times. When gardening season is finished, a drip
· Take a proactive approach with mulch. Gardeners need Forgetting to water the greenery or getting hit with a irrigation system will need to be drained and dismantled.
not wait until the heat arrives to protect their plants from drought can cause a lawn to deteriorate rapidly. An irrigation Irrigation systems can help care for plants and lawns.
searing summer heat. The sustainable living experts at system may seem like a smart investment, but homeowners However, they can be costly and some require significant
Eartheasy recommend utilizing light-colored mulch during should weigh the pros and cons of such systems before hav- maintenance. Weather and pests also can reduce the effec-
heat waves. Such mulch will reflect the sunlight and help ing one installed. tiveness of yard irrigation systems by damaging equipment
to maintain cooler surface soil conditions. Eartheasy even Irrigation systems are installed to protect landscaping so or directing water in directions homeowners did not intend.
notes that grass clippings, once they’ve turned from green plants can thrive year-round. Irrigation systems come in vari- Customers are urged to do their research regarding which
to light brown, can make for the perfect mulch to protect ous forms, from sprinkler to drip to surface irrigation systems. system, if any, is best for their properties.
plants from the heat. Clippings also are free, making them a No system is necessarily better than another. That’s because
cost-effective solution. each is designed to address specific watering needs.
· Water wisely. The horticultural experts at Yates Garden- Here’s a look at various irrigation systems and the pros Signs your HVAC unit could
ing note that water only helps plants withstand heat waves if and cons of each.
it’s applied effectively. If water is only applied in short bursts Sprinkler system be fading
and not long enough so it can penetrate all the way to the Sprinklers are popular because they tend to be very af-
root zone, roots will then stay near the surface. In such in- fordable and easy to set up. Manual sprinkler systems uti-
stances, roots will dry out during a heat wave and plants lize a hose and sprinkler head, while automatic systems A day outdoors soaking up the sun’s rays is many peo-
won’t make it through the season. Timing also is essential are programmed and do all the work once they’re installed. ple’s idea of the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
when watering. Eartheasy recommends watering in the Sprinklers cover a lot of ground and can irrigate large spaces On such days, a periodic retreat indoors into an air condi-
morning to avoid heat scald and also ensure as little water is quickly. However, that same benefit can be a disadvantage tioned home can offer some much-needed relief from the
lost to evaporation as possible. When watering during a heat as well. heat.
wave, do so by hand rather than through a sprinkler. Hand Sprinklers are indiscriminate in their watering, sometimes HVAC systems are worth their weight in gold during the
watering allows gardeners to direct all of the water onto the hitting pavement or driveways. Also, the Gardening Channel dog days of summer. Of course, such systems must be re-
plants that need it most during a heat wave. says that water from sprinklers is lost due to evaporation on placed from time to time. Learning to recognize the signs of
· Let your plants pitch in. When planting new plants, it’s hot, windy days. In fact, as much as 80 percent of the water a fading HVAC system can help homeowners replace their
important that gardeners recognize it takes time for these used may not make it onto the grass or plants. units before they cease working, saving everyone the un-
plants to establish their roots so they’re strong enough to Surface irrigation system comfortable ordeal of being stuck at home without cool air
withstand heat waves. In the meantime, strategic planting Sometimes called gravity irrigation, these systems use on hot summer days.
can help them make it through their first heat waves un- channels or furrows throughout the cultivation area. Once

All Types of:

TOPSOIL, MULCH,

THREE-Z-INC. COMPOST & STONE

www.three-z.com ®
1-888-524-4544 TOPSOIL The Personal Plumber

34020 Royalton Rd. Mixsoil • Fill Dirt • Ball Diamond Clay
Eaton Twp, Oh 44028 MULCH 440-324-4321
Colored Mulches • Cypress Mulch or 330-721-0680

Organic Black • Shredded Bark
Wood Chips • Custom Z

SAND & GRAVEL
Natural Stone • Boulders Licensed, Bonded, Insured Technicians Providing:

Also
Sweet Peet • Kid’s Karpet •Sewer/Drain Cleaning •Senior Discounts
•Moen Faucets
•Electronic Locating
Black Leaf Humus •TV/Camera Inspection •Water Lines
SMALL & •High Pressure Jet /Gas Lines
BIG LOADS Pick-Up or Cleaning •Zoeller Sump Pumps

•In-Sink-Erator Disposals
•Excavating and Repair
2
$ 00 Delivery •Bathroom/Kitchen •Ruud/Rheem Water
Heaters
Remodeling
OFF

Per Yard $20.00 OFF

PICK-UP Your Next Service Call!
ONLY
THREE-Z-INC.
With Coupon. Not Valid w/any other Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6-30-21
offers or coupons. Expires 6/30/21