Watering

Watering skills are what make or break a garden.

A garden must have water available to it everyday. A gardener must be available to water the garden everyday. It is not as simple as it seems.

Don't use a sprinkler, it doesn't reach all the plants and or allow you to really check your plants each day. Don't rely on soaker hoses, they have limited range and dependability. Don't buy a cheap spray gun. I use one now which has multiple water settings, spray, jet etc. I am enjoying it, but all nozzles have a limited lifespan. I since there is sand in my water I have been through many, many nozzles. For years I simply pressed my thumb on an open hose end and bent the hose to stop the flow. Messy, but very enjoyable on a hot day.

Not all plants need the same amount of water. The amount of heat and shade affects water retention in the soil. When you touch the soil and it is warm and dry it is definitely time to water. The amount of plants and the age of the plants also are variables in watering needs.

Most people know not to water when the sun is shining very hot. If you do the drops of water on the tender leaves will magnify the rays and literally burn the plant.

Some plants don't like to have their leaves wet, like tomatoes. Tomatoes, peppers, beans and basil don't like to be cold at night so water them in the morning.

Most vegetables need a lot of water on a hot day to develop properly. Plants like celery, cabbage family, onions, and salad greens benefit from being watered in the evening after a hot day in the sun.

Water the bed until it is all dark and puddles are starting to form. Water before dusk and after dawn to avoid the mosquitoes. Don't work with plants when they are wet especially beans. Try not to get water spray in the vegetable flowers. Start watering furthest away from the house, that way you are home when you are done.

Thank God when it rains.