Watering Guidelines

General
  1. During warm to hot weather gardens such as ours need about one inch of water every seven or so days.   Less is needed during cooler temperatures.  Often this need is met with rain.  But if there isn’t enough rain, watering may be needed.
  2. Soil moisture can be gauged by digging with a trowel two of five inches to see the line between dry and moist soil.
  3. Good mulching with straw (not wood chips) may reduce the amount of water needed. Keep mulch 1-2” away from the plant stem.
  4. A thorough watering at one time is better for the plants than a little water each day.  This promotes deeper plant root growth.  Daily watering promotes shallow root growth.
  5. 20 to 30 gallons of water is needed to provide 0.5 inches of water for our 100 square foot plots. 
  6. Place water on the soil near the plant.  Watering leaves is less efficient and may promote plant diseases.
  7. Watering is most effective in the morning or evening.
 
Transplants 
  1. Plants transplanted in the garden may need more frequent watering for the first 10 to 14 days after planting.
  2. Roots of plants should be thoroughly watered before planting.
  3. Water the soil after planting.
  4. Water every two to three days after planting if the rain accumulation is less than 0.25 inches. 
 
Seeds
  1. The soil around seeds should be kept moist.
  2. After planting water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. Avoid using a strong splash or spray which can dislodge seeds. 
  3. If a gentle mist is not possible then indirectly water two to three inches away from the seeds rather than directly on top of the seeds.
  4. Water every one to three days depending on rain and soil moisture.