Hydroseeded areas will need close attention to watering in the weeks following installation. The duration and timing of irrigation will depend on evaporation rates, temperature, wind, soil percolation and the degree of slope as well as the level of maturity the young plants have reached.
Installation-to-Germination
Pre-germinated seeds require constant moisture. A moist soil surface is evidence that the seeds are properly dampened. This period—while variable with the mix of plants and weather conditions—is about 3 weeks. Under a high evaporation environment, as during Santa Ana winds, seed may need as many as 8 applications of water a day to maintain adequate moisture.
Rocky cut soils need greater watering frequency since rock cut areas hold less water and promote rapid evaporation.
After Germination
The young plants still need moisture but are now susceptible to "damping off", a fungal disease that rots the seedling before emergence from the soil. Following the 3 weeks of pre-germination watering, gradually reduce water for another 3 weeks to avoid fungal attack but still promote growth.
If pre-germinated seeds have been used in the hydroseeding mix, there will have to be a coinciding adjustment to the watering cycles.
During the next 3 weeks, water deeply once or twice a week.
After Establishment
When the stand of growth has become established at about the tenth week, a watering routine for the mature growth can be implemented. What that schedule will comprise depends on the species that have been planted and their purpose. Landscape or sports turf will need a more intense irrigation regimen than will pasture or ground covers. Wildflower mixes may use even less water. S&S Seeds consultants can make specific watering recommendations.
Extra Nutrition
In the third month of growth the young stand of plants will need nutrients. A soil nutrient analysis will identify what is needed and how effective any of the previously applied amendments have been. A balanced organic fertilizer with iron, such as HYDROPOST Hydroseeding Compost, will provide good growth and control soil pH for at least six months.

	Post Planting Irrigation
	H-DAY TO 3 WEEKS Keep soil constantly moist before germination. H-DAY + 3 TO 6 WEEKS Gradually reduce watering after germination H-DAY + 6 TO 9 WEEKS Water deeply once or twice a week H-DAY + 10 WEEKS AND BEYOND As recommended watering for particular species or mix

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