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The
Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County, Inc.
P. O. Box 3254 Salinas, CA 93912
Email WAC
Water Hotline
(831) 646-4656 |
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This
Winter Be Water Wise
Turn Off Your Irrigation Controller
The onset of winter provides a great opportunity to reduce landscape
water use. Plant water needs are so minimal this time of year that
in many cases irrigation controllers can and should be turned off.
Cooler soil and air temperatures along with shorter days that slow
growth dramatically reduce plant and turfgrass requirements for water.
In addition, soils loose less water to evaporation during the winter
and when you factor in periodic rainfall, watering during a typical
winter is almost always unnecessary.
During extended dry periods there may be an occasional need to water.
This can usually be accomplished with manual operation. Just be sure
to return your controller to the off position when weather conditions
change.
So this winter, do your part and be water smart!
Water Wise Strategies for Winter Watering and Irrigation
- Utilize automated
control systems
- Install rain / moisture shut
off devices
- Water early in the morning
to minimize the effects of wind and evaporation
- Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper rooting
- Avoid
irrigation during the winter months
- Raise cutting heights
to maximize water conservation
- Select drought
avoidance varieties – such as Tall fescue
- Avoid
turf in long narrow areas, which are difficult to irrigate
efficiently
- Establish individual watering zones for turf and other
landscapes areas
- Utilize repeat or soak cycles to minimize runoff
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Lawn & Garden Forecast |
Know when and how much to water your garden based on the weather. Just enter your Zip Code for a 10-day forecast. Click here |
Receive a FREE GardenSoft® CD-ROM! |
This is
an interactive software program designed to help you create your
own water-wise landscape. Features include design ideas, photo galleries,
plant lists, irrigation tips and more! Receive a FREE Water-Wise Gardening
in Monterey County CD-ROM
by calling
(831) 646-4656
or emailing. |
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