Weird Science

It's so odd to have a web forum with two such dissimilar topics as electronics and gardening. My wife didn't believe me. We both took the Master Gardener courses at Michigan State and are avid plant destroyers. I use the term "took the courses" to let people know upfront that I'm not really a "Master”, just a fan. My specialty is turf grasses and lawns. I try to practice IPM where possible but I’m not hard core.

Regarding the “drip” thread, I think in ground (underground) and drip irrigation is finally becoming popular mostly because of the increased water rates. Here in Michigan, the "sewerage" charge that's added to our water bill is higher than the water itself. I just moved to a home with a sprinkler system and I "plan" on installing a drip line too if I can get around to it. It's the way to go I think.

But, most all plants absorb moisture through their foliage too and some are nearly dependent on it. Many flowering and fruiting plants with shallow, compact, root systems for example. But others, like tomatoes, do better if the leaves never ever get wet. During really hot, dry, some weather some fully loaded plants can't always uptake enough water through the roots to overcome evaporation. A quick drenching is the fastest way to revive them.

I seem to have become and old man lately and it took me years to learn a few simple rules: Don't over water, don't over fertilize, don't plant something where it doesn't belong and a few weeds are OK. What we are taught by Scott's and other companies to do to our lawns is insane and mostly unnecessary even for beautiful ones……… Sorry, I'll stop the rant before it gets out of hand.
Charlie