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Want Healthy Plants? It's All In The Water

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- With all of the rain we've has had this season, there has been less of a need to water your garden. As the summer goes on gardening expert, Susie Bachman of Bachman's, said there are a few things to keep in mind.

Bachman said while watering seems straight forward, how you water can have a major influence on the success of your plants.

She has a few tips to make sure your plants are as healthy as they can be.

• Water early in the day, this helps prevent excess water on the foliage that could turn into disease problems.

• Deeply soak the base of the plants and then don't water again until the soil has had time to dry out. Light waterings aren't good for plants and actually encourage shallow root growth.

• Shrubs need 1 inch of rain or water per week.

• Always check to see if your plants need water, don't assume.

• The signs of over watering are similar to the signs of drying out. You'll see yellow lower leaves and the plant may look wilted. The roots of the plant may be rotting. You may also see that there is no new growth and young leaves will turn brown.

• If you put mulch around your plants it will help minimize evaporation and keep moisture in. Mulch also keeps out weeds, which will take water away from the plants once they begin to grow.

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