Irrigation Systems
How to choose the best options for your garden & your budget By Leanne Burkholder
Know your soil. In parts of Toronto, the soil is clay; it is sandy in other areas. If you overwater in clay soil, the water may pool, and the plant roots may choke. In sandy soils, you will have the opposite problem. Amending the soil as much as possible can help balance soil conditions and manage water needs. Using an organic mulch in your garden can help too—not only does it help prevent weeds; it can also help retain moisture. So, you’ve picked the right plants for your conditions, you’ve amended the soil as much as possible, and you’ve mulched. But because our summers are hotter and dryer, or you want to limit your maintenance, should you consider getting an irrigation system?
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The short answer is to decide what is right for you, your garden and your budget. (Note: There are landscape design firms that will not install plants without an irrigation system as part of their plant guarantee.)
The Options If your space is small or you have a low budget, using a portable sprinkler is a good choice. Installing a soaker hose for specific garden beds may also be an option. Both can be purchased with timers and you have the flexibility to determine the amount of watering depending on your garden needs. Rain barrels can help save money on water usage.
Summer 2021
Photos: Pixel, Landscape Ontario, Leanne Burkholder
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s a landscape designer, I am often asked about watering by my clients—when? how much? how often? And, should I get an irrigation system? The challenges with watering are higher today. Our summers are hotter and drier. What may have worked in the past may not work now. At the same time, people are busy and want lower maintenance gardens. The right plants. Before you go to the expense of installing an irrigation system, first choose the right plants for the right place in your garden. If you have a hot, sunny south-facing garden—choose plants that love that type of location. Examples include lavender, coneflowers, succulents, most grasses. These plants prefer hot, dry conditions and have similar water needs. Mixing in an Annabelle hydrangea, which needs consistently moist soil, may not be the best choice in this type of garden. Consider the stage of your plants. Plants need consistent watering when they are establishing, typically during the first two months, depending on the plant. Watering should be done regularly at intervals so that the soil is consistently moist (it crumbles in your hand). If the plants prefer drier conditions, then less watering is needed. Remember: well-established plants don’t need as much watering except during long, hot dry periods. Note that it is best to water as early as possible in the day as it is cooler, and water won’t evaporate as quickly.
