Water Wisdom
Warm weather is here!! Summer and afternoon thunderstorms are right around the corner. Summer thunderstorms are some of my favorite memories; my dad always made a big deal of them. We would go sit out on the porch and watch the storms roll in every chance we got. I share those memories with my kids now. Hopefully someday soon, I’ll have my dream of a covered porch to watch the thunder clouds roll in.
I love summer thunderstorms not only for the way the clouds form and roll in but also because I know my garden is about to be watered with the real deal, good stuff…rainwater. Did you know your plants prefer rainwater over tap water? Rainwater does not contain the harsh chemicals found in tap water. It has macronutrients that will benefit your soil, as well as the ability to release micronutrients contained in your soil. For this reason, I recommend working on a rain water collection system for your garden.
Outside of the choices between rainwater or tap water, there are some other helpful tips to keep in mind when watering…
Tip # 1 - How often. This is the trickiest bit when it comes to watering…knowing how often to water your plants. There are a few tricks, but ultimately it comes down to paying attention to your soil and plants. In spring, you do not have to water quite as much due to cooler temperatures and shorter days. I typically water 1-2 times per week once my plants are established. I will increase my watering if the first couple inches of soil are dry to the touch. In the summer I increase watering to about every other day, again testing the soil to make sure it’s not drying out too much or waterlogged.
Tip # 2 - How much. Overwater and your plants start yellowing or develop root rot. Underwater and your plants begin to whither and dry up. Each plants’ needs can be different as well. Melons and berries really love some water, while some pollinator plants native to our area can withstand a drought. This is one of those times you might have to do a little research to decide how much to water.
Tip # 3 - When. You can go out and water whenever right? Mmmm, in a way yes, but your plants will have an easier time if you water them at specific times during the day. Watering in mid-day, in mid-summer is not the best idea. This can lead to leaf scorch and increase likelihood of disease as well. The best time to water is in the morning before your plants face the stresses of the day. The second best time would be in the evening when the heat of the day has passed and it’s starting to cool down. I highly recommend sticking to watering in the morning but if you forget one day, definitely wait to water that evening, unless your plants are showing signs of stress, then absolutely go ahead and water!
Tip # 4 - Soak. If you’ve had a long day, would you prefer a quick hot shower to relax and rejuvenate you or a soak in a big hot bath tub? I know I’d choose the soak in the tub! When you water your plants, think about a good soak in the tub. Your plants would prefer a good soaking every few days vs. a shower every day. Some people believe it’s the leaves that need water but actually the roots are more important and need the moisture and minerals released in the soil by the moisture. Watering the leaves feels like you’re doing something but for best results, water the soil around your plants!
Tip # 5 - Drip Lines vs. Overhead Watering. Hands down drip lines are the best method. If you can hook up your irrigation to your rainwater collection system, even better! Drip lines/irrigation allows for consistency and more time spent harvesting or tending the plants, rather than time spent watering. Irrigation is typically set up on a timer, waters evenly (if lines are placed correctly), and gives the plants a good soaking (if set up for the right amount of time). I have seen overhead sprinkling systems set up in gardens but I tend to steer clear of that system. In the south where humidity reigns, overhead watering is an invitation for disease to move in…especially powdery mildew! Overhead watering also tends to land more on the leaves, meaning you actually need to leave it on a bit longer in order for the soil to get a good soak. I’ve had the most success with drip lines in the garden. There are plenty of videos and sites to visit to help you set up irrigation with the right amount of watering. Again make sure to do a little research for your plants and their watering needs!
Bonus Tip - Turn off irrigation if rain is in the forecast. As you know now, overwatering hinders a plant’s growth!
If you’ve read some of my previous blogs, you know that watering is a key ingredient for a successful garden. Watering is actually one of the first key items I ask about when coaching a client and one of the first items I look for when designing a garden. Making water easily accessible or setting up a watering system, saves clients a lot of growing pains and time!
So here’s the question…Which method have you used to water and was it successful?
Next month I’ll be discussing the plague…I mean pests. If you’ve struggled with pests in the past, which if you garden in the south you’re guaranteed to have wrestled with them, then you’ll want to make sure to check out my blog next month for tips!
