For years I was lucky enough to have a job that allowed me to work right next to my grandparentâs home. Many mornings I would stop by to visit for a few moments while they were enjoying their breakfast. Each and every day my grandfather would be eating a grapefruit and each and every day he tried to convince me that I should also eat one. He was convinced that it was the key to his good health. Although he was never able to convince me to begin my days eating the bitter citrus fruit, I did adopt his habit of starting my day by doing something healthy. Before I drink any caffeine, I drink two bottles of water. This guarantees that I drink at least half of the recommended daily amount of water before 7 a.m. Although I make a point of hydrating myself, this summer, I challenge all of us to make a point of hydrating our plants.
Our area is currently experiencing a moderate drought. Just like us, a plantâs need for water is crucial to their survival. When mother nature doesnât provide them with the necessary water, it becomes our responsibility. Although some plants are more drought resistant than others, in general all plants need about 1â of water per week. During the first 3 weeks of June, only žâ of precipitation fell in our area naturally.
During this time, it is more important than ever that we use correct watering practices outdoors for our flowers, shrubs and trees. Watering correctly is very important. Anyone can pour water on a plant. But it takes time and experience to understand how plants use water and the many variables that come into play.Â
The frequency and duration of watering plants outdoors is dependent upon three factors. The first being the amount of precipitation that has occurred naturally. The second factor is the rate of evaporation. Evaporation is the rate at which moisture is leaving the soil and evaporating into the air. The third factor is transpiration. Transpiration is the rate at which moisture is exiting the leaves of the plant. The rate at which evaporation and transpiration occur are both dependent upon variables such as temperature, humidity, wind, and amount of sunlight. Watering on a regular schedule such as once a day or every third day does not work. The variability of precipitation, transpiration and evaporation make watering according to a set predetermined schedule impossible.
The question is usually asked âHow do I know if I am supposed to water my plants?â The simple and correct answer is, when the soil needs more water. It is really that easy. Water when the soil needs it.
How do you determine if the soil needs water? Use the finger meter. Stick your finger into the soil a couple of inches and if it feels dry, water. If it is not dry, donât water but be sure to check the soil again either later that day or the next morning. There are also commercial soil moisture meters available.
It is important when you water that you water until the ground is moist to a depth of at least 6â. Deep thorough soakings are very beneficial to plants. Watering properly takes a lot of time and water. It is far better to water less frequently and go deep, than to water frequently. Deep watering is important because it encourages plants to produce deeper root systems. Deeper roots mean that they can withstand drought better and therefore need to be watered less often.
Many people think that newly planted things need to be watered every day. That can easily kill the plant. Roots need lots of air and if you water too much you drown them and kill them.
Waiting until leaves droop is not a good idea for most plants. A drooping plant indicates that it is in trouble and is desperate for water. But should it be watered? Maybe, maybe not. A plant with no roots due to over watering looks just like a plant that has been under watered.
The most efficient time to water outdoor plants is early in the day, when the soil is cool and water has the best chance of seeping down to the roots of the plants before it evaporates. Watering plants in the morning will ensure that they have sufficient store of moisture beneath the soil to withstand the heat of a hot summer day. If you do notice that your plants need water, donât delay watering them until the next morning though.
Directing water at the base of your plants delivers water right where itâs needed-the roots. Soaker hoses are a very effective method of watering plants. Consider winding a soaker hose between plants in a flower bed to soak the soil slowly and deeply and ensure healthy growth.
As mentioned earlier, most garden plants, flowers, and shrubs flourish when they receive at least one inch of water per week. They may need more during hot, dry spells. Using a rain gauge in the garden can help you monitor how much weekly rainfall youâre getting. If the gauge indicates that youâre getting less than 1 inch of rain per week, supplement by watering.
If you have an irrigation system, I highly suggest that you purchase a low profile rain gauge and actively measure how much water youâre the plants within your planting beds are getting when your irrigation system runs.
Watering correctly is always important, but especially when our area is going through a period of low precipitation. I hope that through correct watering procedures both you and your plants stay hydrated this summer.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
