Fall has been on the dry side. According to the United States Drought Monitor we are experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Remember that plants use water during the winter — just not as much. Winter’s freeze and thaw cycles also remove moisture from the soil. And don't forget about the effects of drying winds.

Bottom line, the soils are currently on the dry side and we know that a plant that is well hydrated will survive winter conditions and be a stronger, more established plant come spring and throughout the rest of summer.

Follow these simple watering tips in the winter

1. You are free to water any time during the winter as long as the soil is not frozen and temperatures are above freezing when applying. It does not matter if the temps fall below freezing after the application as frozen water in the soil will not harm the plants.
2. Plants most at risk are young trees and shrubs five years of age or less. Evergreens also suffer as they tend to lose more moisture during winter. A deep thorough soaking should last for a month of more, depending on the moisture patterns.
3. Don’t forget your lawn. Lawns have shallow roots and can feel the effects. Fall-established lawns especially need moisture to survive the season. A lawn that is well-hydrated over winter will also start to green up earlier in the spring.
4. Protect your home foundations from cracking by using sprinklers or soaking hoses placed about one to two feet from the foundation. Never fill in cracks with added soil. When it does rain the soils will expand placing additional stress on the foundation.

How much should you water?
As a general rule of thumb, soak the soil at least six to eight inches deep. This holds true for the lawn, flowers and some trees and shrubs. This depth provides moisture to the crowns and a vast majority of the feeder roots. Larger trees should be soaked more deeply.

How long should the water be kept on in order to meet these criteria? It depends on the system applying it and the water pressure. The best way to measure your water output is with the use of a rain gauge. For example, to apply an inch of water using an impact sprinkler in a full circular pattern often takes four hours or more.

How often should you water? A soaking every two to four weeks is normally sufficient. When in doubt, probe the soil using a screw driver or metal rod. When the soil is dry, reapply water according to the above recommendations.

Remember to disconnect the hose from the outside faucet and drain.

by Dennis Patton, horticulture agent, Johnson County K-State Research and Extension

Summer arrived on June 21. As weather patterns change day-to-day, Johnson County Research and Extension offers steps to help your lawn survive an onslaught of summer heat.

Mow high

First, check your mowing height. Cool season grasses such as bluegrass and tall fescue should be mowed high during warm periods. The recommendation is no lower than 3 inches. Mowing high decreases heat and drought stress by increasing the natural defense mechanism. Longer leaf blades provide a shading of the soil helping to reduce the soil temperature and moisture loss. These conditions favor root growth which is vital for increased summer tolerances.

Mowing higher reduces the amount of water used by the plant, and the grass stays green longer. In fact, if you do not believe this is beneficial, do your own test. Mow a strip at 2 inches and another area at 3 inches. Wait for the first signs of stress to appear and see which wilts first. You will be amazed how this works and it is so easy.

Keep the mower blade sharp

In addition to the proper mowing height, make sure the blade is sharp. A dull blade rips the grass blade resulting in increased moisture loss and excess browning to the grass leaf. A dull cut often leaves the grass with a whitish appearance to the lawn. Sharpen or replace the lawn mower blade on a regular basis as a part of regular overall turf and mower maintenance.

Don't fertilize in summer

Lastly, for summer maintenance, avoid the use of fertilizers. Fertilizing cool season grass during the summer greatly increases the lawn’s need for moisture and decreases its adaptability to high temperatures.

The best time to fertilize bluegrass and tall fescue is in the fall months, September and November. In fact, spring applications should be avoided unless the lawn will be well watered during the summer months. Spring fertilization provides little benefit to the grass plant except to make the grass green, often resulting in lush growth. This lush growth increases mowing requirements.

Learn more at the extension office’s website.

Last week’s heavy rains wreaked havoc on many Johnson County homes and businesses. On Thursday, Chairman Eilert signed a declaration of local disaster to assist county staff and residents in clean-up efforts.

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) offers the following tips to prevent injury and illness during cleanup and how to manage and remove the debris and trash left behind.

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of an affected area.
• Get a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one in the last 10 years or can’t remember the last time you got one. You can get one at most doctors’ offices, pharmacies, urgent care clinics and at the Department of Health and Environment’s two walk-in clinics in Olathe (11875 S. Sunset Drive) and Mission (6000 Lamar Ave.).
• Flood waters can displace animals, insects and reptiles. Be alert and avoid contact.
• Wash clothing and all hard surfaces with hot water and detergent. Discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as mattresses, carpeting and carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, pillows, baby toys, stuffed animals, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings and most paper products).
• Excessive moisture and standing water can contribute to the growth of mold. Be sure to properly dry out ceilings, walls and floors.
• Cover open wounds with a waterproof bandage to avoid infection. Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing with soap and water. Seek immediate medical attention if a wound develops redness, swelling or drainage.

Items that are not accepted at the curb, such as paint, cleaners, household chemicals and fluorescent light bulbs, may be brought to the Johnson County Household Hazardous Waste site for disposal. Make an appointment to drop off for these items, as well as non-working appliances and electronics.

Recycle your old, worn or unwanted car, truck or bike tires! Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is hosting a tire recycling event on Saturday, April 8 from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at our Household Hazardous Waste facility at 5901 Jim Bills Road in Mission. 

This event is for Johnson County residents only and no commercial drop-offs are allowed. Limit seven tires per household. For more information, visit jocogov.org and search "tire recycling," Johnson County Recycles' Facebook page or call Todd Rogers at 913-715-6904.