In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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May 29, 2007

Watering tips

Photograph: Linda George

Linda George of Placerville shared this watering tip: “For beginners, watering seems to be a big deal. I suggest a soaker hose and a timer to automatically do the trick (Home Depot 50' soaker $12, timer $25). Well worth it.”

I know as summer temperatures climb, I feel less inclined to spend afternoons in the garden. I want more of the chores done for me, and watering heads the list. And after talking to many gardening experts about the benefits of soaker hose watering versus overhead watering, I’m off to buy a soaker hose and timer of my own.

She also sent photographs of her raised bed garden, including a shot of watermelon seedlings with a soaker hose placed stragetically in the bed, and her pole beans twining themselves around the wire on the metal cage.

Last, she suggsted, next time instead of marigolds, try nasturtiums. They're very pretty, have the same colors as Marigolds, and the flowers are edible." They're easy to plant, she wrote, just soak the seads and press them into the ground.

Thanks, Linda.

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