Spring growth in our lawns and gardens seems to come as if by magic but it actually takes a lot of sunshine, warmth and especially, water.  The warmth and light are automatic but the water is not.  Those April showers that bring May flowers are not always sufficient and our plants can suffer considerably.

The timing of the rainfall is just as important as the total quantity of water plants receive.  Spring (April 1 through mid-June) is when plants do most of their growing and water is absolutely necessary during this critical period in the plant's life.

In a very basic explanation, microscopic plant cells turn into flowers, leaves and stems when expanded by water.  Plants make their own food from having proper leaf surfaces.  When the plant doesn't receive enough water, it doesn't produce proper leaves and subsequently does not produce enough food to survive.

When Mother Nature doesn't provide her plants with enough water from rainfall, we need to take responsibility for our plants.  It is extremely important to get enough water to our plants at the proper time.

To properly water your plants, you need to follow a few simple rules:

     - One, don't let the soil dry out completely.

     - Two, water approximately one inch per week.  It takes about three to four hours to water an area with this amount. 

     - Three, water slowly enough so the water will soak clear down to the plant's roots.

When watering, you must take extreme care not to flood your plants by letting them stand in pools of water for any great length of time.  Plants are like people and can drown.  Their roots need oxygen and too much water will not allow for air circulation.

In past years, our plants have experienced enormous stress from lack of water.  Watering them carefully through spring and early summer will help your plants avoid scorched leaves and early defoliation by drought.

Sources: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, www.buckeyegardening.com