How much watering is enough?
by
Jill Klein
I live in the desert in So. Cal, and so we have automatic sprinklers. We have them
on for 5 minutes at a time, 2x/day for 3 days. I know that that is too much because worms are jumping out of the lawn to their deaths! :( I also know that lawns should only get an inch of water a week. So how long does it take to get to 1"?
on for 5 minutes at a time, 2x/day for 3 days. I know that that is too much because worms are jumping out of the lawn to their deaths! :( I also know that lawns should only get an inch of water a week. So how long does it take to get to 1"?
3 answers
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One trick people use to "test" the amount of water applied is to place an empty tuna can in the lawn. wiggle it around a bit so it is sitting level well into the grass. Run your system then check the water level in the can. 5 min seems pretty short to me, less frequent but longer times should allow for a "deeper" watering which will promote deeper root systems and more tolerance to dry spells. Xeriscaping however with desert natives would be far better than lots of grass.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 18, 2013
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KMS has given you the classic test for determining sprinkler output, and I agree that 5 minutes at a time seems much too short, but I'm sure things are different in the desert.
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 21, 2013
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I have spent a fair amount of time in various "deserts" and have even experienced some rain there. If the ground is hot a little bit of water evaporates very quickly and does not even penetrate more than a 1/2 inch. It cools the ground quickly but never really contributes to an plant life.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 21, 2013
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