Watering Vegetable Garden

If you are lucky enough to get an inch of rain each week, you won’t have to use a watering can or set up sprinklers or drip soaker hoses. For most of us however, this is not the case so we have to do some watering of our vegetable gardens during the season.

My garden here in Northern Alberta has just started to come up. I know friends in south western BC who are already harvesting some spring veggies so where ever you are I hope your garden is coming along.

I set up a pump each spring and get my garden water from a pond. I fill a garden barrel every few days and use that in the spring to hand water my freshly seeded beds. I find the hand watering is best at this stage. Later in the season I will set up a sprinklier that I turn on early in the morning for an hour or so.

I have been considering purchasing some soaker hoses, this is what I used when growing commerically but I am trying to keep my costs down, so will put them on my budget list for next season.

Frequency of watering:

1. Soil Moisture: Vegetable gardens typically require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This can come from rainfall or supplemental watering.

2. Weather Conditions: In hot, dry, or windy weather, plants may need more frequent watering, sometimes even daily, to keep the soil consistently moist.

3. Soil Type: Sandy Soil: Drains quickly and may require more frequent watering. Clay Soil: Retains water longer and may need less frequent watering, but make sure it doesn't stay waterlogged.

4. Plant Stage: Seeds and Seedlings: Require consistent moisture and may need daily watering until they are established. Established Plants: Generally need deep watering 2-3 times a week to encourage deep root growth.

5. Mulching: Using mulch can help retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

6. Morning Watering: It's best to water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and allow plants to absorb water throughout the day.

Always check the soil moisture before watering by sticking your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Adjust your watering schedule based on these observations to ensure your vegetable garden thrives.

I recommend:

Join my facebook group

Spread the word

Get everyone growing a few of their own veggies. Forward this FREE ezine to a friend.

Happy gardening!