Gardening in Alaska: Mowing schedules may be up for debate, but other spring lawn care methods are tried and true. Watering is No. 1.
The ability to gather gardening information to pass on to readers has changed an awful lot over the years. When I first started writing this column some 45 years or so ago, there were a few horticultural newsletters that featured “new” stuff and while other gardening publications existed, they were what I call “picture based” horticultural writing.
Regardless of how you roll on this one, I do think it is a good idea to use your mower to first mulch up all the spruce cones, twigs and limbs that accumulated in the yard over the long winter. This includes any leaves that are left from the fall. This is exactly the kind of organic material you need to keep the microbes in your lawn happy all summer long without necessarily fertilizing. Pick up the really big stuff and run over the rest. Leave it on the lawn, no bagging.
Obviously, you need hose. My rule is to be able to reach every area on our property that will need water. In some instances you will be able to lay hose down and leave it all summer. If mowing and other chores would damage such a system, then invest in a hose reel to keep the hose safe and things tidy.
I love the idea of adding hot water to your outdoor system so you don’t cool the soil down to 40 degrees every time you water. I realize this is not all that practical. You can get a large black garbage can to keep water for use in the vegetable garden. Fill it and let the sun warm it up. I assure you your crops will appreciate the warmer water and perform better.
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