As I was watering my garden in the cool of the morning, I thought of all the people I have seen water their garden “wrong”.
With many people across the US facing super-hot days this summer, it is important to give your plants plenty of water to withstand the heat.
You might be asking, what is the best way to water my garden?
It is no secret that plants needs more water when it is hot and dry.
Did you know that most vegetable plants stop growing when the temps get into the 90s? Some do thrive in the heat, like corn and melons, but they need lots of water to do so.
Most vegetable seeds won’t germinate when it gets into the 80s F.
Hot Weather Watering Dos & Don’ts
Some folks put in watering systems to irrigate their garden.
These can be set on a timer which is great if you travel allot or have a busy schedule. They can be expensive to install and maintain if something breaks.
Dos – The Best way to water your garden
Water (or set your timer) either early in the morning , preferably before the sun comes up, or before it gets to be over 75 F in the morning. **or** in the late evening or overnight went temperatures fall.
Water at ground level, avoiding splashing water into the leaves. A major way diseases are transmitted on tomato plants is by water on the leaves.
Soak the ground at the roots of your plants.
If you have had not rain for 3 days and it is 85 F or above. Water each plant for 5 minutes.
If it is 90 F or above and has not rained for a week or more. Water each plant for 10 to 15 minutes.
Keep your soil covered so moisture stays in the soil longer. For annual vegetables, I recommend straw.
Straw not hay – as my Dad taught me, hay is for horses🐴, straw is for gardens.🌿
Don’ts – How not to water your garden
Do not use overhead sprinklers!
As much as 90% of the moisture evaporates. This means your plants are not really getting watered and you are wasting water. The drier and sunnier the day, the more evaporation happens.
Do not water in the middle of the day, in bright sun or when the air temperature is over 75 F.
Do not have your soil uncovered in heat. Your soil can get bleached, and you want to insure you have healthy moist soil.
Hope these garden watering tips cover your plants so they are well watered and thrive.
May you stay cool this summer, Debby
Hi Debbie: Thanks for the informative article. I have been sinking bottles in the the soil to get water below grade. It is light these days at 5:30 a.m. so trying to get motivated to get up and water. I remember when My gardening Days started at 6:00 a.m. with a nice college guy who showed up very faithfully on time. We worked for two hours and then he showered off at NOVA and went to class. People like that are hard to find. I have artichokes in the yard, expanding the black berries. Spring peas did well. This is my first year for onions, radishes and lots of garlic. Carrots are still a challenge need more “fluffy soil.” Of course, butternut for Hands on Harvest. Hope to expand the asparagus next year…Jersey Knight. Doing a concentrated area near a stone sitting area dedicated to mosquito repelling. ten herbs. However, the fungal gnats are not discouraged. White flies a problem with kale. How are you and Russ doing? There are some great lectures on ROKu on food combining and metabolism.
Let me know if that interests you.
Betsy
Thank you for the update on your garden Betsy! I love hearing how it is going. I am happy to talk with you about “fluffing up” your soil for carrots as mine have been doing great. Love that you are adding in more perennial crops. Make sure your garlic and asparagus beds stay weed-free as they will do much better. You can prep the bed for the asparagus this fall. Love your early morning bottle watering routine. Wonderful idea! All is good here. Email me if you would like to talk about your soil or garden. Debby