Listen, if you've ever stood in the garden in the middle of August wondering if you're sweating or crying, you're not alone; it's hot out here, y’all.
The flowers feel it too. And while they’re not dramatic about it (like me when my hair sticks to my face), they definitely notice when the heat cranks up and the water disappears. That’s why I’m here to talk about something very near and dear to my heart this time of year: deep watering.
I know, it doesn’t sound glamorous. There are no cute Pinterest boards titled “Deep Watering Inspo.” But hear me out - it’s the unsung hero of summer flower care. Think of it like an emotional support hug... but for your dahlias.
See, a quick sprinkle in the morning is like giving your flowers a sip of iced coffee and then telling them to run a marathon. Doesn’t cut it. What they need is a tall glass of water that goes all the way to their roots. That’s what deep watering does. It trains your plants to grow strong, stable root systems that can handle the scorching sun like champs.
Here at Harmony Harvest, we water slow and steady. Whether it's drip lines or a long soak with a hose, the goal is the same: get the moisture down where it counts. That surface-level wetness might look nice, but it dries up faster than I can walk from the farmhouse to the cooler without chugging a Gatorade.
Now, if you're thinking, "But Jess, my schedule is bananas and I can barely water my houseplants, let alone my whole garden," I feel you. My to-do list has a to-do list. But trust me, a few longer, intentional waterings a week will do way more than those guilt-driven, rushed sprinkles in flip-flops at 9 p.m.
And while you're at it, don't forget to mulch. I’m not saying it’s magic, but it’s pretty dang close. Mulch locks in that moisture and helps keep roots cooler than a popsicle in a wine fridge.
The truth is, summer can be tough on us and our plants. But with a little extra care (and a lot of water), we all get through it stronger. So grab that hose, channel your inner raincloud, and give your flowers the drink they deserve.
And hey - don’t forget to drink some water yourself. You and your zinnias deserve to thrive this summer.
