Heatwaves are a fact of life in Gilbert, but that doesn’t mean your yard has to wither under the scorching sun. By strategically timing your watering for both sun-soaked and shaded areas, you can keep your landscape healthy while maximizing water efficiency. Here’s how to find the best times to water during a Gilbert heatwave.
Early Birds Get the Soak
When temperatures soar, the best time to water is in the early morning hours before the sun fully rises. Aim to start your irrigation between 4am and 6am. This allows plants and soil to soak up moisture before the heat of the day kicks in, reducing evaporation and giving roots ample time to absorb water.
Early morning watering is especially crucial for sun-exposed areas of your yard. Lawns, flowering beds, and sun-loving plants like bougainvillea and yellow bells will appreciate a deep drink to fortify them for the intense rays ahead. Set your sprinklers or drip emitters to run for longer cycles at this time, ensuring water penetrates deep into the soil.
If you have an automated irrigation controller, program it to start in the pre-dawn hours and adjust run times based on the weather forecast. Many smart controllers even have built-in weather sensors or can connect to local weather stations to automatically optimize watering schedules.
Shady Spots Need Sips Too
While shaded areas don’t face the same intensity of sun exposure, they still need regular watering during a heatwave. The best time to irrigate shaded zones is typically late afternoon or early evening, once the worst of the day’s heat has passed.
Watering in the evening allows plants to rehydrate overnight without the risk of scorching leaves. It’s especially beneficial for shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and caladiums that may flag in the heat. Give these areas a lighter soak compared to sunny spots, as the soil will retain moisture longer without intense evaporation.
Just be cautious not to overwater shaded sections, as consistently damp soil can lead to fungal issues and root rot. Check soil moisture with your finger before running irrigation to ensure it’s truly time for a drink. If the soil feels damp an inch or two down, wait another day.
Maximize Your Mulch
One of the best ways to retain soil moisture during a heatwave is by mulching heavily. A thick layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or wood chips, acts as insulation for plant roots. It moderates soil temperature fluctuations and slows evaporation, so your irrigation goes further.
Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Be sure to pull mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot and pest issues. As the mulch breaks down, it will also enrich your soil with nutrients and improve its structure for better water retention over time.
For rock and gravel landscaping, consider applying a permeable landscape fabric beneath the stones. This helps prevent water loss and keeps gravel cooler. Opt for light-colored gravel to reflect more heat in sun-baked areas.
Drip, Drip, Sip
Drip irrigation is a game-changer for efficient watering, especially in intense heat. By delivering water directly to plant root zones, drip systems eliminate overspray and minimize evaporation. They allow you to fine-tune watering for each area’s unique needs.
In sunny areas, use drip emitters with higher flow rates to ensure deep saturation. Space emitters closer together for thirsty plants and further apart for drought-tolerant varieties. In shaded zones, opt for lower-flow emitters spaced wider to prevent oversaturation.
Consider adding a timer or smart controller to your drip system for foolproof watering. Program it to run in the early morning in sunny zones and late afternoon in shaded areas. With precise targeting and scheduling, drip irrigation takes the guesswork out of heatwave watering.
Don’t Let the Sun Win
Heatwaves may be intense, but you can keep your Gilbert yard thriving with smart watering strategies. Water deeply in the early morning for sun-soaked areas and lightly in the late afternoon for shaded zones. Maximize your mulch, embrace drip irrigation, and let your plants sip their way through the summer sizzle.
By timing your irrigation wisely and using water-saving techniques, you can maintain a lush, healthy landscape without breaking a sweat. Your plants will thank you, and you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood when the mercury rises. Stay cool, Gilbert gardeners!
