To prevent your plants from hanging their heads in summer, they need plenty of water. But how much or how often should they be watered? And is it better to water from above or below? Continue reading and you will find some smart and helpful facts for watering your plants.
Rule no. 1: Keep evenly moist
The majority of plants rely on consistent moisture, yet allowing a mild dryness before watering encourages root development in the plants.
Rule no. 2: Water less often, but thoroughly
In the flower bed, one to two watering sessions per week are usually sufficient: better to water more seldom but with plenty of water rather than a little water often.
Rule no. 3: Water late in the evening or early in the morning
When you water cooled soil in the evening or night less water evaporates. The plants can sufficiently supply themselves with water before the next day’s heat.
Rule no. 4: Keep leaves dry to avoid diseases
Leaves that are wet are prone to diseases. If kept moist overnight, it can lead to leaf-mold diseases. When wet leaves are exposed to sunlight, they may exhibit minor burn marks due to the magnifying effect of water droplets.
Rule no. 5: Ensure the water reaches the roots
To ensure adequate watering, it is crucial that water reaches the roots effectively. Inadequate water quantities often only moisten the upper soil layer, or may not reach it at all, especially when there is a mulch covering and insufficient irrigation.
In addition, appropriate watering is vital for crop plants, as they heavily rely on consistently moist soil during their growth period until the harvest time. This is essential for various plant parts to develop optimally, such as roots and corms (carrots, potatoes), leaves (basil, field salad), heads (cauliflower, lettuce), husks (beans), or fruit (tomatoes, fruit).
Rule no. 6: Give larger water quantities in parts
In order to prevent valuable water from flowing away unused, it is advisable to water in intervals to allow sufficient time for it to penetrate the soil. This approach ensures that the water is effectively absorbed by the bed instead of being wasted.
Rule no. 7: Water with a target but distribute
If watering is consistently concentrated at a single root point, it can result in unbalanced root growth, leading to inadequate nutrient absorption from the soil. To promote optimal nutrient uptake, it is essential to water around the entire plant and distribute the water evenly across the entire irrigation area.
Rule no. 8: 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.
Rule no. 9: Avoid waterlogging
Waterlogging suppresses the breathing air of the roots out of the soil – the root cells drown without oxygen.
Rule no. 10: Use quality, clay-rich soil
Soil that is abundant in clay minerals possesses superior expansive characteristics, allowing it to retain water more effectively and evenly. However, during wet summers and winter seasons, it is crucial to facilitate proper water drainage to avoid waterlogging issues. This ensures that excess water is adequately removed from the soil, maintaining a healthy balance for plant growth.
