Month |
Turf grass |
Shrubs, |
Lodi's Watering and River Friendly Gardening Tips |
January |
Irrigation system off. Check irrigation system for leaks and broken or plugged sprinklers/emitters. Flush drip system for sediments. |
Irrigation System Off |
Plan now for ways to become Water-Wise in the garden. 60-70% of Lodi's water is used in the landscape. In winter, most plants’ water needs are minimal. Research now water conserving plants for your garden. City of Lodi’s Water Conservation Ordinance is year round: http://www.lodi.gov/public_works/water_conservation.html Clean winter debris with a broom, not a hose. Check patio plants under eaves monthly. They may be drying out. |
February |
Irrigation System Off |
Irrigation System Off |
Weed and Mulch! Spring bulbs start appearing, as well as weeds. Mulch 3-4 inches deep with organic material, like tree bark or wood chips, AWAY from trunks of trees to prevent disease or rot, to keep moisture in and weeds down. Dyed mulch is not advised because of potential harm dyes may cause in runoff to river. |
March |
Irrigation System Off |
Irrigation System Off |
Time to install or repair your irrigation system. Determine watering needs. Watering time depends on several factors:1. Delivery rate of the water- 3. Plants' needs- Know what your plant requires. |
April |
If properly applied, watering every 3rd day should be enough. (2 x weekly) Replace old battery for controller. |
Irrigate young trees down to 18 inches. Water young trees: 1st yr- 2 x weekly- 2nd yr- 1 x weekly3rd yr- 2x month |
Develop a Water-Wise garden by encouraging deeper plant growth. Group plants with similar water needs in the same area. March through May is the most active growing season for turf grass and other plants. To encourage less water demands of plants, simply extend the time between watering days to encourage your plants to grow deeper roots. Got runoff? If runoff is a problem because of slope, shorten watering time, with drying out period between 2nd watering, same day. |
May |
Dethatching and aerating turf helps water reach root zone. May need to increase watering if hot weather. Check mower height. |
Water deeply less frequently than turf. |
Water Deeply to Root Zone Root depth varies for grasses, groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Warm season grasses- Bermuda grass-have roots that reach as deep as 6 feet. Check soil for moisture with probe.Cool-season grasses- Bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass are more shallow-rooted – most roots are in the upper1 ½ feet. Groundcovers -9 inches; shrubs- 18 inches; trees-18inches. Check mower height. Maintaining mowing height to the shortest possible height appropriate to the type of turf helps minimize water use - Bluegrass, rye and fescue= 2 inches; Bermuda grass or dichondra= 1 inch. Leave cut grass on turf for nutrient recycling. |
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Set irrigation system timer to water in early AM or early PM. Be on-hand 1 x per week to watch for problems. |
For young trees and shrubs, use soaker hose, water deeply. Watch for run-off. |
City of Lodi watering restrictions begin May 1. Homes with even numbered addresses should water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Odd numbered homes on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Everyone must water before 10 am or after 6 pm. (City parks and others with a variance may water on Mondays or at odd times.) |
June |
Watering in cool of the day is best. |
Check top 4-6" of soil before adding new water. |
Check your sprinklers to apply water evenly. Watch sidewalks for over-spray and runoff, which carries fertilizer and pesticides into the Mokelumne River. |
July |
Yellow turf |
Continue to water deeply, less frequently. |
Reduce evaporation! Water early to reduce water lost to wind and heat. Between 2 am and 8 am is best. Check periodically for runoff, leaks, and problems and to optimize your watering schedule as weather conditions change. If slope runoff is a problem, divide watering into two shorter watering times. |
August |
Check sprinklers for controllable leaks. |
Check for water |
Use an adjustable spray nozzle on your hose in the garden. Open hoses in Lodi are wasteful and illegal in Lodi. Check irrigation system controllers after power outages. |
September |
Reduce water. Days shorten. Watering restriction ends Sept. 30. |
Reduce water. Days shorten. |
Plants Water Needs Change. City of Lodi watering time restrictions end Sept. 30. Water anytime, but only on permitted watering days. Install a “rain switch” to automatically shut off your irrigation system during rainy or humid conditions. Add new organic mulch as needed to reduce evaporation and inhibit weeds. |
October |
System Off |
System Off |
Prepare for rainy season. Turn your system off after 1-2 inches of rainfall. Fall is a good time for planting potted trees and shrubs (plant bare root trees and shrubs in late winter). Now the soil is warm, rooting occurs rapidly and plants have a chance to become established before the onset of winter cold. A riverfriendly garden allows rainwater to percolate slowly through your landscape, allowing for groundwater recharge, and also helping to reduce transport of pollutants to rivers. Ways to slow runoff include planting new trees, using a “rain chain” instead of rain downspouts, and incorporating garden rain barrels” or cisterns in your landscape design. Rain gardens, or sunken garden areas, away from your house’s foundation, will allow some water to pond and percolate into the soil instead of running off. Using downspout extensions to direct rain water over lawn areas instead of paved areas also helps reduce runoff. To reduce pesticide and fertilizer runoff, avoid applying these materials before impending storms. Periodically pick up animal waste in yards. Keep streets clear of yard waste or garbage.
Remember! Stormwater flows untreated to the river. |
November |
System Off |
System Off |
Winterize your irrigation system. Wrap exposed pipes, faucets, and valves to keep them from freezing. You may need to water if rains are infrequent. Compost or remove garden waste to eliminate over wintering garden pest habitat. Rake leaves away from street gutters to reduce the likelihood of clogging and local flooding |
December |
System Off |
System Off |
Enjoy your garden from the warmth of your home. You can relax now from your year of being water-wise in your garden and begin to plan for next year’s garden. |
Water-Smart Resources for the Lodi Home and Garden: |
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City of Lodi- Water Conservation Ordinance: To learn about the local water conservation ordinance |
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http://www.lodi.gov/public_works/water_conservation.html
- Can’t Comply With Water Conservation Ordinance Variance or Want to Report a Water Waste? Call City of Lodi Public Works- Water Conservation: 209- 333-6829
- Want to Report a Stormwater Violation? Call City of Lodi- Stormwater Hotline: 209- 368-5735 |
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San Joaquin Master Gardeners- Planting Calendars, plant information and more:
http://sjmastergardeners.ucdavis.edu. Master Gardeners Hotline: 209-953-6112.
University of California Guide to Healthy Lawns: To learn how to establish a healthy lawn program- |
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CA Center for Urban Horticulture- Landscape Water Conservation tools- Learn about delivery rate of your irrigation system: Tuna Can Test to Determine Sprinkler Spray Rate, Water Conservation Tips for the Home Lawn and Garden, Managing Gardens Sustainably and more: |
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http://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/projects/landscape-water-conservation/water-conservation-links |
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San Joaquin Valley Watering Needs- 5 Easy Steps to Set Your Controller -Tuna Can Test to Determine Sprinkler Spray Rate |
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http://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/projects/landscape-water-conservation/5steps_NorCal_for%20web.pdf |
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Learn your Turf Type: |
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http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/TURF/TURFSPECIES/index.html |
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Pest Notes- Got Pests? Reduce polluted runoff. Follow UC Davis Integrated Pest Management guidelines: |
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Soil ID- Soil Survey: Check ”Garden Resources” at this website: Learn more: Websoil Survey- http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm |
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