Watering vegetables is a key treatment that directly translates into the quality and size of the harvest. It is important to do it skillfully, because too little water can be as harmful as overflowing. The greatest demand for water occurs in the growth phase of the edible part. Moreover, some vegetables have a very high water requirement (pumpkin, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce and onion species), while others are slightly more resistant (peas, parsley, carrots, horseradish). Therefore, it is best to be guided by the needs of a particular species. So are there any general watering rules? Of course!
When to water vegetables?
Regardless of whether you grow vegetables in the ground, under cover or on the balcony, it is best to water them in the early morning for several reasons.
Firstly, morning watering is more efficient, mainly due to less evaporation of water from the substrate. Irrigated plants have a chance to absorb moisture better and dry before the heat sets in, which is especially important in summer, when daytime temperatures soar up to 30 degrees above zero.
Another advantage of morning watering is the proper preparation of plants for the natural processes taking place with the participation of the sun, e.g. the process of photosynthesis, during which they produce the nutrients necessary for development. Moreover, vegetables are less exposed to physiological stress. In one of our articles, we suggested which vegetables should be planted together and which combinations should be avoided
Do you dream of beautiful vegetables in the garden?
It is unacceptable to water the vegetables during the day, when it is very hot and the sun is strong, because the water drops remaining on the leaves attract the sun's rays, which may result in the plant getting burnt. In addition, watering during high temperatures is less economical due to higher water consumption.
Is it possible to water vegetables in the evening? Only as a last resort, because evening watering is not very effective. Plants do not have the opportunity to use the supplied amount of water, as a result of which its excess will remain in the substrate and on its surface, which may result in the development of fungal diseases. In addition, it will be an incentive for snails, whose feeding will cause numerous losses.
How to water vegetables?
When watering, avoid soaking the above-ground parts of the plants. Try to direct the stream of water so that it only reaches the ground. In this way, you will limit the risk of pathogenic pathogens and putrefactive processes.
Do not allow the substrate to dry out. During the summer, during the highest temperatures, the vegetable garden should be watered every day, and vegetables grown under cover and on balconies even twice a day.
It is recommended that vegetables be watered abundantly with a gentle stream of water. Too fast, intensive irrigation will limit the absorption of water into the substrate and reaching the root system, and it may damage the plants and wash out the soil.
It is especially important to water during the preparation of the edible parts. Insufficient water will result in small and unpalatable crops. In addition, dried plants will shed flowers earlier, which will translate into a less abundant harvest.
child watering vegetables with a jug
What to water vegetables with?
For watering vegetables, it is best to use settled water, especially in the case of vegetables grown under cover and on balconies. Rainwater will work great, so if possible, it should be collected in special barrels and kept near the vegetable garden. In turn, pots on the balcony can be irrigated with a traditional watering can. It is important that it is not cold water straight from the tap.
In balcony and container cultivation, the frequency of watering can be reduced by using a hydrogel, which acts as a water reservoir, thus reducing the risk of drying plants.
Irrigation system for watering vegetables
In the case of vegetables grown in the ground, it is worth investing in an irrigation system that will significantly speed up gardening work and help adjust the amount of water to the needs of specific plants. There are various irrigation systems available on the market, ideal for vegetable gardens, but the most popular are still the drip lines, laid out along the beds. This method precisely irrigates the substrate and reduces water consumption. On the other hand, in greenhouses and under covers, suspended sprinklers will be perfect, as they will ensure even distribution of water on all plants.
Systematic watering of vegetables increases the chance of good and healthy crops, so it cannot be omitted under any circumstances. If you are concerned that the amount of water supplied may not meet the needs of the plants, it is worth considering mulching, which will reduce water evaporation and retain it in the substrate for a longer time. Grass, straw or agrotextile can be used for mulching. It is also important to regularly weed the beds, because lush growing weeds not only take space for vegetables to grow freely, but also water.
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