As summer heats up, check watering strategy

"In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes and every sunset is different." – John Steinbeck June heralds the start of summer, with the Summer Solstice arriving on June 21. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Our gardens are enjoying the increasing sunshine. Plants are flourishing and growing quickly. A wet April and early May helped produce many healthy and beautiful plants. If the sun is highest in June, why are July and August usually hotter? The answer is called seasonal lag. The earth takes several weeks to absorb and store the sun's heat, so the hottest temperatures often arrive later in the summer. During this time, all soil loses moisture through evaporation, whether irrigated or not unless the soil has no moisture in it. Irrigated soil will lose more water through evaporation than a soil that has not been irrigated recently. This is because the upper soil layer dries out and moisture in the lower layers has to travel further and through more soil pores before it can evaporate. Water is essential for healthy plants. Plants absorb water through their roots, and moisture moves upward to the leaves, where some of it evaporates into the air. While spraying foliage can briefly increase humidity around the leaves, adequate soil moisture is what really keeps plants thriving. Different plants need different amounts of water. In nature, some plants grow beside creeks while others thrive in dry areas. All plants need water, but the amount varies by species. In our gardens, we must create the best environment for plants to grow. One important step is proper watering. The simplest, though most time-consuming, method is watering with a hose. Early morning is usually the best time to water because cooler temperatures reduce evaporation. Morning watering can also help reduce fungal diseases. For many gardeners, however, hand watering is not practical. Irrigation systems such as drip systems and sprinklers are often a better option. But having an irrigation system does not guarantee that every plant is getting the right amount of water. Irrigation systems should be checked regularly to make sure they are working properly. Sometimes, simply observing the garden can reveal problems. Are plants wilting when they should be healthy? Before blaming the irrigation system, check whether the plant has enough light, healthy soil, and is free from pests. If water seems to be the problem, inspect the irrigation system while it's running. A broken sprinkler head or clogged dripper may be the cause. Overwatering from a damaged sprinkler can also stress plants and waste precious water. Another useful test is to measure how evenly sprinklers distribute water, especially on lawns. Place several similar-sized containers in different areas of the lawn, then run the sprinklers. Compare the amount of water collected in each container. Uneven amounts may indicate that adjustments or repairs are needed. Keeping a garden healthy through the summer is not difficult, but it does require preparation, patience, and regular care. Upcoming: Irrigation Tips to Improve Water Efficiency, Lincoln LibraryJune 20, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Lincoln Library, 485 Twelve Bridges, Lincoln, CA 95648 Hands-on gardeners will learn some low and no-cost ways to improve their water efficiency. They'll also learn tips for upgrading their irrigation system and/or downsizing their lawn (both of which may be eligible for rebates).