During the establishment period, new plants need frequent deep watering to encourage robust root development. Even drought-tolerant varieties require consistent care until they are fully established, which typically takes one year for perennials and shrubs, and two years or more for trees. It's crucial to monitor plants regularly for signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
Native plants generally thrive without soil amendments or fertilizers, preferring deep and infrequent watering to shallow, frequent watering. Understanding your soil type is key to effective watering, as clay soils retain moisture longer than sandy soils. When watering, aim to saturate the entire root ball and surrounding soil, avoiding wetting the crowns, stems, or trunks of plants to prevent disease.
Certain sensitive native plants, such as flannelbush, bush poppy, and woolly blue curls, require special attention during the establishment period and should not be watered during the summer months.
Mulching is essential for conserving soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and insulating the root zone, but care should be taken to leave space around plant stems to prevent disease. Maintaining a thick layer of mulch throughout the garden's life is recommended for optimal plant health.