As the summer heats up, get out to Oakridge and cool down with our newest, most refreshing, products! During these hot months, our master gardeners have water (and lots of it) on the brain. They keep our greenery lush all season long and the nursery overflowing with cool water features.

Ever wonder how they keep our plants so fresh? Check out their five best-kept watering secrets below:

Water plants at the base, not over the top.
Watering on top of the leaves can promote fungus and other leaf diseases. Also, putting super cold water on leaves when it is hot outside can damage the plant.

Always test the soil before you water.
Some plants can look droopy because of the heat, and not necessarily because they are dry. Make sure the soil is dry, not damp or wet, before watering.

The best time of day to water is in the morning.
If you can, water your plants in the morning. That way, they have time to soak up the water before the heat of the day. This also allows them to not stay wet overnight, which can cause fungus and disease.

Some plants need more water than others.
Become familiar with your landscape and learn which plants need water more often than others. Trees, non-irrigated, need water once every 10 to 14 days; shrubs, once a week; perennials, once every 4 to 5 days; and annuals, once per day or every other day depending on the size of the planter.

A good tree deep watering is better less often than watering a little every day.
For new trees, let the hose trickle on the tree for 10 to 15 minutes once every 10 to 14 days. This will keep your tree happier and healthier than watering it a little bit every day.

For more tips, tricks, and to see our water-inspired products, visit us in store today!