Edible Gardening Essentials: Watering Tips Worth Soaking Up
Watering is essential for any landscape, but it’s at the top of the to-do list if you’re growing an edible garden. Most edibles require regular watering. If you live where summer rainstorms are common, Mother Nature might provide enough to keep everything happy. If you live in a dry climate, or are facing drought conditions, you’ll need to do more if you plan to keep growing.
For those of us dealing with water shortages, making the most of every drop becomes even more urgent. But you still have options. You can cut back on the size of your garden and look for varieties that thrive in naturally arid regions. While crops like broccoli and beans can be water hogs, peppers, squash, Swiss chard and tomatoes, especially ‘Early Girl’, ‘Sweet 100’, ‘Brandywine’ and ‘Burbank Slicing’, can handle less-than-regular watering once they’re established. Of course, herbs such as oregano, rosemary, thyme and lavender are staples of a drought-tolerant garden. Or maybe this is the summer you spend hardscaping and planning for next year.
No matter your climate, there are some watering guidelines that apply to any edible garden.
Water just what you need to. Granted, you don’t have that option when you’re relying on summer rains. But when you do water, make sure you focus just on the plants. This has the bonus of discouraging weeds; plus, sidewalks and patios certainly aren’t going to be growing and don’t need to be wet.
Water in the morning. Try to give plants a drink at the beginning of the day. Consider it your garden’s morning caffeine jolt. Being hydrated helps plants combat the heat of the day. It also gives the foliage time to dry in the sun, which helps prevent diseases.
If a morning watering session doesn’t fit your schedule, your next best choice is the evening, especially once things have begun to cool down. Be sure not to get foliage too wet, especially if your edibles are prone to fungus. At mid-day, water only the plants that are wilting significantly.
Water slowly. Spraying a full blast on a garden is more likely to wash away the dirt than provide the plants with enough water. Take it easy, and let the water fall gently on the soil and plants.
Water consistently. Plants do best when they’re on a regular schedule rather than a seesaw approach of overwatering followed by droughtlike conditions.
More Edible Gardening Essentials: Watering Tips Worth Soaking Up
Edible Gardening Essentials: Watering Tips Worth Soaking Up
