Follow these 8 golden rules for watering to prevent your plants hanging their heads in summer, they need plenty of water. But how much, how often, water from above or below? Here you find some smart and helpful facts to efficiently water your plants.
8 Golden Rules for Watering:
Keep evenly moist
Most plants depend on even moisture. However, slight drying out before watering promotes root growth of the plants.
Water seldom but thoroughly
In the flower bed, one to two watering sessions per week is usually sufficient: better to water more seldom with plenty of water than little quantities of water often.
Water early in the evening or early in the morning
When you water early evening/morning less water evaporates and the plants can sufficiently supply themselves with water.
Keep leaves dry
Wet leaves at night become diseased leaves. Leaves that are watered in the sun develop slight burn marks. Water the roots of the plants rather than the foliage.
Give the right water quantity
Water must sufficiently reach the roots. Too little water quantities often only cover the upper soil centimetres. This also is essential for edible plants which are particularly dependent upon evenly moist soil up until and at harvest time.
Water with a target but distribute
Water needs a moment to seep into the soil. Water each plant lightly then return to it once the water has soaked in. This prevents unnecessary wastage. Always watering at only one root point leads to one-sided root growth. Therefore, always water around the plants root ball.
Irrigate in a way that saves water
Water as much as necessary and as little as possible. This is simplified with an automatic irrigation system with moisture sensor – in the bed, on the balcony and on the lawn.
Use quality, clay-rich soil
Soil which is rich in clay minerals has better expanding properties and can therefore hold water better and in a more even way. In wet summers and in winter, ensure water drainage to prevent waterlogging. Waterlogging suppresses the breathing air of the roots out of the soil.
Thanks to Gardena New Zealand for supplying this article.