1. Maintaining Your Rain Garden

2. You can do better than this!

3. Rain Garden Maintenance • All gardens need some maintenance • Rain Gardens are no exception!

4. Rain Garden Maintenance Water my rain garden? • Right after planting • First growing season • During droughts later

5. Rain Garden Maintenance Mulching: • Add mulch annually • Take care not to bury plants

6. Rain Garden Maintenance Mulching: • Prevents hardpan • Soaks up pollution

8. Rain Garden Maintenance • Weeding until vegetation becomes established • Identify weeds carefully in spring – new good plants may come up also!

10. 2003 Rain Garden Maintenance • Prune annually • Or, choose the natural look!

12. Rain Garden Maintenance • Frequently inspect for and remove debris and trash • Remove pet waste

14. Rain Garden Maintenance • Replant vegetation as needed • Monitor plant health, especially right after planting

15. + 4 Hours +18 Hours Do I need to treat for mosquitoes?

16. Do I need to fertilize? • Free annual soil testing at NCDA!! • Runoff is usually nitrogen-rich • Remember…we’re trying to remove chemicals from the water Photo courtesy of Maryland DNR

17. How can I find out more about Rain Gardens? • See your Extension Agent! • On-line handbooks, photos, planting plans: • Wilmington, NC • University of Wisconsin Extension • Maplewood, MN