Ignore the Forecast... Water!

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This Week's Sale: 25% off ALL* plants and ALL bagged EarthMix® products!

Pay no attention to the meteorologist in front of the green screen.  The illusion of ample rainfall is as real as the image they’re standing in front of…it’s not.  That doesn’t mean I have some precognitive ability, well not with regard to the weather anyway. The point is this: unless you receive 1-1/2 to 2 inches of rainfall over the next twenty-four hours, you need to be watering. It is not bone-dry everywhere, but it is in many places; and you don’t have to be Nostradamus to know that. Simply observe the dust.

In the event you don’t have a rain gauge (and you call yourself a gardener) simply place a cylindrical vessel outside away from trees and other obstructions.  A drinking glass will work just fine. While the accuracy of this method is not perfect, it is way better than guesstimate. Comparatively few folks live near the airport where the ‘official’ totals are derived. You need information that is location specific: your location. Do not be lulled into a sense of security by optimistic forecasts; deal with the facts, and while you’re waiting for the results of your data collection, water. While you’re pondering that, no doubt you are inquiring, “when is the best time to water?” The best time is when you are thinking about it and willing to do it; I suggest five minutes after voting in the Nashville Scene Best of Nashville 2026 Readers Poll!

We would greatly appreciate your vote for "Best Nursery/Garden Center" in the Home & Garden category. There's so many incredible local businesses to mention across many categories - we thank you for keeping us your top spot for everything plants. You are the reason we get to keep doing what we do!

Sale Sundays continue; get the same 25% off all* plants & all bagged EarthMix® from the comfort of your home. Online orders will be filled Monday in the order they were received.

David Bates

*Sale is for Bates Rewards Members only (free sign up at checkout); Japanese maples excluded, in store only (except Sundays) through 8/13/26.