Sprinkler systems that service lawns, groundcovers and shrubs should have an automatic timer. Increase time using the seasonal adjustment- about 10-25%. Run sets in the early AM when soil is a bit cooler to help achieve deeper saturation and reduce evaporation. If you're going to be home and see dry patches in your lawn, the occasional touchup with a small area sprinkler can help -just be sure to have some kids running through it if its during the irrigation prohibited hours. Remember, in Fresno there is the 3 day water rules limit, with addresses having odd # (Tues, Thurs, Sat.) and even # (Weds, Fri, Sun). Timing is limited and not between the hours of 10 and 6PM AM till days you can run sprinkler systems.

Drip systems are a very effective way to water pots and raised beds and also should be on the timer!

Plant type and Soil condition: Plants in the ground need moisture and protection from drying so the solution is MULCH! Seriously, the scourge of valley landscapes is the leaf blower! Clean beds are lousy for your plants! To maintain moisture and vigor plants should have about 3 inches of mulch and bark over them. Yes, mulch will protect roots from extreme heat and trap moisture longer and add organic material to feed those plants too.

If going away, I also move the decorative pots under trees or shade structures to get them into the shade AND to allow their water in them to drain into the tree root zone. I use an automatic timer attached to the hose bib and have bought a patio drip system to put on all those pots and water them as needed -a small price to pay to keep your green investments alive and as good looking as they can be.

J.U.L.Y.

J: Jump in the Truck, Come to the Sale with a neighbor! Of Course I'll buy hamburgers, drinks and make mayo laden salads, but I'm also telling my neighbors about the Belmont Sale this weekend...talk about an explosive event! This will be as epic as the tall ships in New York Harbor!

U: U would save 25% off all plants, Gift shop items AND POTTERY at this weekend's Sale!

July is a great time to plant up summer pots. Especially when those pots are on sale at Belmont Nursery from Friday through Monday!!Like I just mentioned, you may also want to find a patio drip system and automatic hose bib timer! those things are great-so easy to install! U got the time! Mow the lawn-20 minutes, clean the patio-30, water outside/indoor plants-10 minutes tops, harvest fresh fruit/veggies from the garden okay maybe 15 ..That gets the stuff done for guests, but you still have hours to kill over at the Belmont Nursery 250th USA birthday sale! Oh yeah, don't forget to stop by the Bulldog Fireworks booth on the way home and get some sparklers, smoke balls and Mad Dog fountains!

L: Love the Sale! Now! Get your garden club friends on line and tell them about it! Think of the selfies with those beautiful Crape Myrtles you just got a stupid good deal on! And, oh great U can afford those fruit trees now!! Stupid gas prices held you back this spring -there's a sale at Belmont?? I'm on my way!

Y: Y NOT Go and Save some serious money at the Belmont Semi-quincentennial Sale...there will never be another one like it...EVER!!!

God Bless America!!

And Yes, I want those Hibiscus and Coleus and that Lantana too! Perfect, that lovely Pot is on sale too??!! And, look at those cute little Goo Gahs in the gift shop!!!

They are all on sale this weekend, Friday through Monday!!!

Thanks for reading, hope to see you this weekend! Best to you, David

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