As temperatures begin to rise across the Mountain West, May is the month when irrigation systems deserve close attention.

Many gardens enter spring overwatered, underwatered, or unevenly watered — often because irrigation schedules haven’t adjusted to changing weather conditions. What worked in April may already be too much (or too little) by mid-May.

Thoughtful irrigation adjustments now can:
• Save water
• Reduce plant stress
• Prevent disease
• Encourage deeper root systems
• Lower utility costs
• Create healthier, more resilient landscapes

In water-wise gardening, proper irrigation is one of the most important tools we have.

May is a transition month.

Cool-season growth is accelerating, temperatures fluctuate rapidly, and winds often increase moisture loss from soil and leaves. Plants begin using more water — but not necessarily every single day.

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is watering too frequently with shallow irrigation.

Shallow watering encourages shallow roots.

Deep, less frequent watering encourages stronger, drought-tolerant plants.

Before changing timers or increasing watering days, spend a few days observing your landscape.

Look for:
• Dry spots
• Oversaturated soil
• Runoff onto sidewalks or driveways
• Wilting during the hottest part of the day
• Sprinkler overspray
• Clogged drip emitters
• Uneven plant growth

Sometimes irrigation problems are not about water quantity — they’re about distribution.

A quick walk through the garden can often reveal issues that timers alone cannot fix.

Healthy plants prefer moisture deeper in the soil profile.

Instead of daily shallow watering:
✔ Water longer
✔ Water less often
✔ Allow the soil surface to partially dry between cycles

This encourages roots to grow downward where moisture remains more stable.

Deep-rooted plants:
• Handle heat better
• Require less frequent irrigation
• Become more resilient during drought
• Experience less stress during summer

Lawns typically require more water as temperatures warm, but May is still a good time to avoid overwatering.

• Water early morning whenever possible
• Avoid evening watering that promotes fungal disease
• Check sprinkler coverage regularly
• Adjust for rainy or cooler weeks
• Raise mowing height slightly to shade soil and reduce evaporation

A healthy lawn should feel resilient underfoot — not soggy.

Drip irrigation is one of the best tools for Mountain West landscapes.

Benefits include:
• Reduced evaporation
• Lower weed growth
• Better root-zone watering
• Less runoff
• Improved efficiency

Check drip systems in May for:
• Cracked tubing
• Plugged emitters
• Leaks
• Areas with poor pressure

Even small leaks can waste surprising amounts of water over time.

Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials require more frequent watering while roots establish.

Established plants generally prefer:
✔ Deeper watering
✔ Longer intervals between watering
✔ Occasional drying between cycles

One of the most common mistakes is treating established drought-tolerant plants like annual flowers or vegetable gardens.

Lavender, penstemon, yarrow, and many native plants can struggle in constantly wet soil.

Overwatering is extremely common in spring landscapes.

Watch for:
• Yellowing leaves
• Mushy stems
• Fungus gnats
• Root rot smell
• Wilting despite wet soil
• Algae or moss growth
• Constantly damp mulch

Too much water can stress plants just as much as too little water.

One of the easiest ways to improve irrigation efficiency is adding mulch.

Mulch helps:
• Retain soil moisture
• Reduce evaporation
• Moderate soil temperatures
• Suppress weeds
• Improve soil health over time

In the Mountain West, mulch is often one of the best water-saving investments a gardener can make.

Great mulch options include:
• Bark mulch
• Wood chips
• Compost mulch
• Gravel mulch for xeric areas

More water is not always the answer.

Healthy gardens thrive when irrigation works with nature — not against it.

Take time this month to:
✔ Observe your landscape
✔ Adjust irrigation gradually
✔ Repair inefficient systems
✔ Water deeply
✔ Mulch generously
✔ Encourage stronger root systems

A little attention in May can prevent major water stress during the hotter months ahead.

*Woodstuff Landscape Supply www.woodstuffut.com
955 S 1950 W Springville Utah 84663
(801) 489-4777

Last week to take advantage of 10% off Mulch and Rock Products!

*Special thanks to our sponsor Woodstuff Landscape Supply

The Sustainable Garden Newsletter is provided by Bloom Gardens

Happy Gardening!
Ramona
Bloom Gardens www.bloomgardens.org