by Gardens of Babylon | Jul 8, 2024
Creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape requires careful attention to watering schedules, especially in the crucial first few months after planting. At Gardens of Babylon, we follow specific guidelines to give your plants the best start possible. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause stress and weakness. Follow these guidelines to ensure your plants get the right amount!

Deep Watering Twice a Week
For the first 90 days or until December 1, it’s essential to deep water your plants twice a week. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, which helps plants access water more efficiently and become more resilient to drought conditions.
The 5-15-30 Second Rule
Different plants require different watering durations to thrive. Use the 5-15-30 second rule to guide your watering (focus water towards soil, ensure roots are watered and avoid watering foliage).
- Perennials and Small Shrubs: Water for 5 to 15 seconds each. These plants have shallower root systems and need less water compared to larger shrubs and trees.
- Medium Shrubs: Water for 15 to 30 seconds each. Medium-sized shrubs need more water to support their moderate root systems and foliage.
- Trees and Large Shrubs: Water for 30 seconds or more each. These plants have extensive root systems that require significant amounts of water to maintain their health and growth.
Sod and Seeded Lawns
Sod and seeded lawns have different watering needs compared to shrubs and trees.
- First Month: Water one to three times a day, depending on weather conditions. This frequent watering helps the grass establish a strong root system.
- After the First Month: Reduce watering to one to two heavier waterings per week. This encourages the grass to develop deeper roots and become more drought-resistant.

By following these watering guidelines, you can ensure that your new plants receive the right amount of moisture to thrive. Proper watering helps prevent root rot and stress, promoting healthy growth and a vibrant landscape. For more personalized advice and expert landscaping services, contact Gardens of Babylon. We’re here to help you maintain a beautiful and thriving garden year-round.
Contact us today to learn more about our irrigation system installation and maintenance services.
by Gardens of Babylon | Jul 8, 2024
As the weather cools and plants enter their dormant season from November to February, it’s crucial to adjust your watering schedule to ensure their health and protection during winter. At Gardens of Babylon, we provide specific guidelines to care for your landscape during these colder months.
Why Dormant Season Care is Important
Even though plants grow more slowly or seem inactive during the dormant season, they still require proper watering to maintain their health. Adequate moisture helps prevent winter burn, keeps roots healthy, and prepares plants for a vigorous spring growth spurt.
Watering Guidelines for November to February
- Initial Heavy Watering: When planting new trees, shrubs, or perennials between December 1 and March 1, it’s essential to start with an initial heavy watering. Immediately After Planting, hand water heavily at least once or twice. This helps the roots establish and reduces transplant shock.
- Ongoing Watering: Although natural precipitation is typically higher during the winter months in Middle Tennessee, supplemental watering may still be necessary, especially during dry spells.
- Monitor Soil Moisture: Regularly check the soil about 2 inches deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. This prevents plants from becoming too dry and susceptible to winter damage.
- Protect from Winter Burn: Ensure plants, especially evergreens, are well-hydrated to prevent winter burn. This condition occurs when plants lose moisture faster than they can absorb it from frozen ground.
- Regular Monitoring and Adjustments: Even in the dormant season, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your landscape.
- Check Irrigation Systems: Make sure irrigation systems are functioning correctly and reaching all plants without overwatering.
- Inspect Plant Health: Look for signs of distress, such as discolored or wilting leaves, which could indicate improper watering or other issues.
- Winterizing Your Irrigation System: To protect your irrigation system from freezing temperatures, winterize it properly. Drain water from pipes and hoses and insulate any exposed parts to prevent freezing and damage. Set irrigation timers to water less frequently, matching the reduced water needs of your plants during the dormant season.
At Gardens of Babylon, we understand the specific needs of landscapes in Middle Tennessee and provide tailored solutions to keep your plants healthy year-round. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring your landscape thrives, even during the dormant season.
Contact us today to learn more about our winter care services and how we can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful landscape throughout the year. Let us provide the care your plants need to endure the winter and flourish in the spring.