If you’re looking for one of the quickest and easiest ways to help your First Editions® Shrubs & Trees thrive, we have a one word answer for you: water! While watering is simple, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure your plants stay healthy, happy, and hydrated all season long.
While watering cans look cute, they usually don’t hold the amount of water your plants will need. So, save yourself multiple trips back and forth from the sink and use a garden hose with a wand attachment.
Make sure the wand is set so a steady stream of water is coming out and not like a jet. You’re giving your plants a nice drink of water, not a power washing.
Always try to water your shrubs in the morning. Watering in the morning allows the water to soak into the soil and roots before the warmest part of the day. If you wait to water until the middle of the day, you risk that water evaporating away before it hits the root system.
If you can’t add watering into your morning routine, watering later in the evening is another great option.
Always check the soil before watering. While plants love water, they do not love being overwatered. To avoid that, check the soil by sticking your fingers in the ground. If the soil is wet there’s no need to water. If the soil is dry, give your plants a good soak.
Always water at the base of the plant. While it might be tempting to spray a hose over the top of your shrubs, that can actually do more harm than good.
Avoid this by sticking the hose below the leaves and watering at the base. This will help get the water where it needs to go and keep the leaves and any flowers on flowering shrubs healthy.
It is always better to water your plants throughly and less often than watering plants lightly every day. This, of course, depends on factors like the variety of plant, whether it’s rained, if it’s hot, and the age of the plant. Younger plants will need more water than older, more established plants.
In general, plants in the landscape need roughly one inch of water per week, and double that during the hottest months. To keep it easy, pick a day of the week to check the soil. If it’s a new plant and you’re experiencing a heat wave, check the soil every day. That quick walk through the garden will help you determine how many times a week your shrubs need watering, while also allowing you to enjoy the views in the garden.
Shrubs and trees that are planted in containers tend to dry out quicker than their landscape counterparts, so it’s a good idea to check the soil every day and water them when it’s dry. Follow all of the previous watering tips and your containers should be set! Our blog on container planting has even more information on caring for shrubs in pots.
Remember to give your trees some love, too. It’s easy to think about plants needing water but it’s important to add your trees to that list as well. Like shrubs, new trees need more water than those that are already established.
Water your new trees every day for one to two weeks after planting. After that, for the next few months, transition to watering every few days. Once they’re established, watering them every few weeks if there hasn’t been a lot of rain will be great.
And there you have it! With a hose, water, and a few easy tips to follow you’re on your way to keeping your First Editions® healthy and thriving for the long run. Happy watering!
Use our Find a Retailer tool to locate garden centers near you where you can find First Editions® plants, or shop the First Editions® collection online during our shipping season. For other inspiration, care tips, or design ideas, be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
