Extension experts: delay spring irrigation, mulch and pick low‑water plants

At a statewide webinar hosted by the Division of Water Resources, Katie (USU Extension, Salt Lake County) and Ben (USU Extension, Washington County) opened with regionally specific spring landscape advice. Katie recommended that many northern Utah residents delay irrigating until about May 15 (Jordan Valley Water District guidance), hand‑water trees and shrubs as needed, and avoid bare soil by applying mulch or waiting until fall for new plantings. She also recommended soil solarization for fall planting prep and warned that pest advisory windows (e.g., codling moth for apples and pears) have moved earlier in some areas.

Ben encouraged southern Utah gardeners to select drought‑tolerant, colorful plants (native perennials such as blanket flower, rosemary and lavender) and to plant while soils are still cool so perennials can establish before peak summer heat. He also advised homeowners to apply pre‑emergent herbicides earlier than usual in areas where summer weeds are advancing sooner after a warm winter.

Hosts said follow‑up resources and the webinar recording will be emailed; participants asked about display gardens (Jordan Valley, Seagull Living Gardens, Weber Basin) and where to buy low‑water seed mixes. Kelly and hosts confirmed several commercial suppliers carry the low‑water mixes and that the Turf Grasswater Conservation Alliance is working to broaden availability to bigger retail channels.

The webinar emphasized practical, seasonally timed steps — delaying whole‑system irrigation when feasible, mulching and soil prep, selecting low‑water species for function and color, and using local USU Extension resources and slowflow.org rebate information — as ways for residents to reduce outdoor water use this season.