How to Water a Garden

If you think watering a garden is just pouring liquid down the pots, think again; There are some important guidelines to remember while doing this seemingly easy task. If you want your plants to keep their moisture, and your garden to retain its beauty, here are some easy tips to keep in mind.

What You’ll Need:

• Water supply
• Hose end watering wand
• Garden hose
• Water sprayer or watering can
• Rain gauge

Water At The Right Time Of Day

Timing is crucial, even when it comes to watering your garden. If you don’t water at the right time, chances are your plants will still not get the right amount of water they need. The best time to water your garden is during the early morning or evening, where there is sunlight, but lower temperatures. Avoid watering during hot mid-afternoons, because the sun is at its peak, and the heat will cause the water to evaporate. Late evening and nighttime plant watering should also be avoided, because moisture sits, leading to fungus and mold.

Use A Watering Wand Or Can For Individual Plants

You have blooms and foliage that grow in bunches, but there are also plants that grow in separate, individual containers. When you water these, it’s better if you use a watering can or a watering wand. These distributes water flow directly and evenly, so all surfaces will be covered. A watering wand has a water breaker that has tiny holes, and can be attached to the end of a garden hose. It releases water in a shower, instead of a high pressure stream.

Avoid Using A Hose’s Sprayer Nozzle

Some people use a sprayer nozzle, the equipment used for washing cars, to water their gardens too. This might seem harmless, but the truth is this nozzle gives off a high-pressure jet that unfortunately crushes and flattens plants. You not only destroy your garden, but you also don’t give plants the right amount of water they need. Don’t use this type of tool, and opt for a regular water sprayer.

Overwatering Is A No-No

Plants wilt and when you give inadequate water, but if you give too much, they can also die. The rule is to never water, unless it’s necessary. Keep track of rainfall on your calendar, and measure how much water you give. For most gardens, the ideal amount is an inch every week, to keep the soil moisted lightly, preventing it from completely drying out. If your place experiences dryness often, this quantity can be adjusted. Some plants also require more/less water, so it’s a good idea to know your foliage.

Use A Rain Gauge

Rain gauges can be bought from a garden center, and are very inexpensive and easy to read. Buy one, and set ut in an open garden area, so you’ll know how much water your garden gets every week. After every rainfall, check the rain’s depth inside. If you use a water sprinkler to water, try setting up several rain gauges in several areas, and compare the readings. If they vary, you’ll have to adjust the sprinkler.

Additional Tips

• If you have cool weather, heavy and moisture-retentive soil or widely-spaced plants, use less water.
• If you have a dry, sandy soil, hot weather or crowded garden, you’ll need more water.
• New plantings need more moisture at their soil surface, so pay more attention to them.
• Mature plants with big root systems must he watered, heavily, but less often, compared to young foliage.
• Mulching your plants is great in keeping moisture.

A garden is beautiful, but only if it’s properly taken care of and watered. Keep these guidelines in mind every time you pick up your watering can and water your delightful blooms and foliage.