Watering....should be simple, right?

Watering the garden should be so simple even a kid can do it. However, watering is one of the garden tasks most likely to go wrong. Simply put - too much or not enough. Let's talk about seeds first.When they are first planted, they should be kept moist, not soaked until sprouted. Some seeds like beets and flowering sweet peas benefit from soaking overnight before planting. After seedlings emerge from the soil, they should be watered about 2-3 times a week until they are about 2 weeks old. Water using a breaker head on the garden hose or your thumb as my staff is showing above.

 When planting transplants in the garden, you can see how using one the 3 good methods is more beneficial to retaining the water then just smooth exposed soil. (click on above diagram to enlarge) Using mulch material can reduces water lost to evaporation by 90%. That, my friends, makes it so worth the time. Not only does it reduce the water loss, but because it retains it, the plant has a more continuous moisture available without being soaked daily. The straw mulch also reduces water splash back on the plant, reducing disease problems and keeping the fruits clean. The general rule on watering for most plants is 1-2" per week. Factor in rainfall. It is best applied in 2 applications in 7 days. Water seldom and deeply, make those roots look for water which increase the root base. A gentle sprinkle everyday encourages shallow roots system. If you water everyday, stop! I know I know, people love to water!

Above is a diagram of perfectly watered soil. In daily or overwatered soil, the 25% of air spaces, would also be filled with water. Plants need air, just like people. The top of the soil, the part we see, will always look dry first. That doesn't mean that 1" deep it is dry. Dig around before watering, to determine if the soil is dry beneath the surface. Excessive much water as fruits are ripening can also dilute the flavor of melon as they are 'sugaring up,' and also cause fruits to split like tomatoes.

Symptoms of overwatering shown above, soft yellowing tissue. Crunchy and yellow is usually dried out (opposite problem). Avoid getting foliage wet when watering. Always water at the base of plants. Disease can spread by water/rain running off one diseased plant and splashing on another. Of course they get wet when it rains, but if 50% of the water they get is from the gardener, than at least we are reducing the run-off issues by 50% with careful watering. It's not really complicated, like anything, just developing better habits!