Plant Water Needs

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much water your plants need. Plants selected using the Garden Gallery, Garden Tours, and Plants features of this software are automatically segregated by water requirements. To determine the water requirement category of an existing plant go to the Main Menu and click on Plants. While this program has an extensive plant list, it is not a complete list. Consult the internet (www.owue.water.ca.gov/landscape/pubs/pubs.cfm), library, plant societies or clubs, and local nurseries for information on plants that are not included.

Very low and low water plants will do well in Los Angeles’s Mediterranean climate with little to no irrigation once established. On the Main Menu, click on the Watering Tips button to learn how often and how much to water your plants.

Below are rules of thumb for watering in a Mediterranean climate. These rules of thumb should not take the place of conducting your own visual assessment of the health and vigor of your plants.

1.	“Very low water use” plants can survive with 3 to 6 deep soakings during a dry summer. Some plants may not need any summer watering once established.

2.	An 800-square-foot lawn uses 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of water per month depending on the turf/grass type and climate.

3.	Many annuals, as well as fruits and vegetables, require moist soil throughout the growing season to produce a good crop.

4.	Water young plants often, they have small root systems and tend to dry out quickly. Older plants have established root systems with plenty of root hairs (the organs collect most of the water for the plant); they do not need as much water as younger plants.

5.	Under hot, dry, and/or windy conditions plants use water rapidly. Young or shallow-rooted plants may need extra water, as they cannot absorb enough water to keep foliage from wilting.

6.	Water plants between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Midday watering can waste water due to excessive evaporation and may not be permitted in your city.

Knowing the water requirements of different plants becomes crucial during hot summer months. A few general rules:

•	High water-use plants, such as turf, will need watering 3 to 4 times per week. Turf is shallow rooted, and fast growing, requiring frequent irrigation.

•	Moderate water-use plants (everyday ornamentals) need watering 2 times per week.

•	Low water-use plants, such as Mediterranean, and many California natives, need only 1 watering day per week.

•	Very low water-use plants will need no more than 1 watering day every other week.

For more tips on watering schedules, go to the Watering Tips found on the Main Menu.