Tom asks: Those of us in North Kona have been asked to cut back our water use by 25 percent for the next month or so while some wells are being repaired. We aren’t getting much rain so I’m afraid my plants will suffer with less water? Any suggestions for water-wise watering?
Tropical Gardener answer: Harkening back to drought days in California, I have lots of suggestions.
First, we should all be planting native plants or drought tolerant ones. Climate change will likely mean dryer weather in the future here in Hawaii.
You can help your plants accommodate dry periods by watering less often and a little longer. This gets the plants roots to grow deeper allowing them to find moisture when the top layers of soil get dry. If you have an irrigation system, that adjustment should be easy. If you are hand watering, time yourself. Of course, a drip irrigation system is more efficient than overhead watering. If you are hand watering, water the soil directly rather than spraying the above ground part of the plant. Garden plants seem to do best when watered early in the morning. Potted plants use less water. Water them in the late afternoon to maximize water use.
The county has advised that we stop watering our lawns. Some alternative suggestions might help keep your lawn alive. Use catchment water. If you don’t have a catchment system, you may want to set something up in case we do get rain. Also you can recycle water from your shower. A bucket or two in your shower catching stray water can help a lot of plants. If soap gets in the water it is ok as long as you are using eco-friendly products. Recycle water that you use to wash or cook pasta, grains, fruit or veggies. Gray water from bathing or dishwashing can be used on trees, shrubs or your lawn. Do not use it on edible plants and be sure any cleaning products that remain in the water are safe for plants.
Mulch, mulch, mulch. Any organic matter in the soil or on the surface will help hold moisture. A few inches of mulch should reduce water evaporation while discouraging thirsty weeds and encouraging the microorganisms that support healthy soil. Avoid fertilizing during dry times. The production of new growth increases water needs.
If you do lose plants or your lawn, consider replacing the plants with drought tolerant specimens. Though lawns are nice, you might want to repurpose some of it with a deck or an herb garden to save water and labor down the line.
For more ideas, visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/uhmg/news/V4-Xeriscaping.pdf.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Gardening Events
Today: “Kona Coffee Farmers Association Annual Membership Meeting” starts at noon at the Kahaluu Beach Park Pavilion. Potluck luncheon followed by the annual member’s business meeting. Visit http://www.konacoffeefarmers.org/events/event/kcfa-annual-general-meeting-january-29-2017/ for more information and to RSVP.
Wednesday: “Little Fire Ant Control workshop” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the UH Extension Office in Kealakekua. Instructions on control plus vouchers for bait and spreaders. Program sponsored by Hawaii County Department of Research and Development. Free. Class size is limited. Registration required. Visit http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/rd-agriculture for more information. Register at http://bit.ly/2eYWIvx.
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and should bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. For more infomration, call Peter at 323-3318.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market,” 2 p.m. to sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Wednesday and Friday: “Ho’oulu Farmers Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay
Friday: “Pure Kona Market,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market,” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market,” 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: “Pure Kona Green Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Tuesday through Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce,” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4892
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu