Mon 2 Feb 2009
To get maximum yield, vegetables require 1 to 2.5 inches of water per week, depending on the stage of development. Vegetables require less water early in the growing season. In a year of dry conditions irrigation can be a great benefit to plant growth, yield and quality.
Water slowly to reduce erosion and runoff. use a gauge to measure the amount of water the garden receives. Apply 1 to 1 1/2 inches and do not irrigate again for three to four days. If you water to frequently your plants will develop a shallow root system. Shallow roots will require more watering and are more easily damaged.
Irrigate early in the day to give the plants time to dry, this will reduce the chance and spread of disease. The premium watering time is just before sunrise when the plants are wet with dew.
Proper soil cultivation will increase water infiltration and reduce runoff. The crust formed after irrigation will lock in moisture reducing evaporation.
You may want to consider using a trickle irrigation system as an alternative to overhead watering. Trickle irrigation will reduce total water usage by up to 50%. It also will not wet the plant foliage and keep the paths between your rows dry and neat. It also reduces weed growth and soil compaction with its direct and gentle delivery system.
Related posts:
- Growing Peas
- Growing Garlic - Planting & Care
- Disease and Insect Control
- Growing String Beans
- Rainfall / Water for your Garden
