Hello Members,

This is a very important watering reminder that we all need to heed.

Please read carefully and let’s all practice water conservation together.

As you all should know, the state is having a severe water shortage and water in some areas is being dramatically curtailed.  The City of Long Beach has not announced any new restrictions but we anticipate that will happen by summer.  Our water rates have gone up dramatically and will likely continue to do so.  Now is an important time to review our rules regarding watering and to urge all gardeners to conserve water.

Watering must be done by hand with a nozzle on the hose.  Leaving a hose running on the ground is not allowed.  Sprinklers and drip systems are not allowed.

Please consider this an opportunity to learn about proper watering techniques.  Overwatering is one of the most common problems affecting gardens and leads to the proliferation of diseases and root problems.  Plant roots need oxygen.  Flooding the soil around plants causes roots to die back and leads to the proliferation of soil borne pathogens.

We also recommend these steps:

• Wash vegetables in a bucket and reuse the water on your plants.
• Use compost or manure around plants to retain water in the soil.
• Report leaking hoses and faucets.
• Water early or late in the day.

Our website has been updated with new timely information on watering.  Please take a moment to review:  http://lbcg.org/watering/

Alan Coles, orchard manager, is usually around in the mornings and will be glad to assist with any questions you have.

Greg Marcotte
LBCGA President
On behalf of the Board of Directors