Watering the garden can be an expensive and time-consuming task, especially in the heat of summer. When plants experience prolonged water stress, the yield, quality, and pest resistance will be reduced. Make the most of every drop of water with careful planning, proper soil preparation, efficient watering, and use of mulches.
Factors Affecting Water Needs The water needs of your garden will change over the course of the growing season. The amount of water needed at any given time will depend on your soil type, the size of the plants, and the weather conditions.
The type of soil you have influences its capacity for holding water. In general, sandy soils will not hold as much water and will dry out quickly. Heavy clay soils can hold higher volumes of water and will dry out slowly. A loam soil will hold a moderate amount of water and will dry out at a moderate rate.
Plants need continuous access to water to thrive and grow. Water is necessary for both photosynthesis and the movement of nutrients throughout the plant. Water is absorbed through the roots and moves up through the plant where it evaporates into the atmosphere. As the size of the plant increases, there is a greater need for water. New seedling plants with shallow, poorly developed root systems may require regular shallow watering, while a mature plant with its extensive root system can use water from a larger area of the soil.
The temperature, humidity, and wind will all influence the amount of water needed by your garden. In hot, dry, windy conditions, water evaporates from the soil and is lost from the plant at high rates. When the weather is cool, humid, and calm, much less water evaporates or is used by the plant.
As a rule, beds should be watered when the top several inches of soil are dry. Dig down 2 to 4 inches with a trowel to determine if soil needs additional water. Dry soil will not hold together to form a ball. If water is needed, thoroughly moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. In well-amended or prepared soil, this should take 1 to 2 inches of rain or irrigation. Check rainfall amounts to ensure that moisture is adequate. Consider watering after a light rain to take advantage of nature’s contribution.
