When it doesn't rain enough, turn on the spigot. Veggies need water to produce, so watering the garden correctly is crucial in the hot summer. Tomatoes are especially unforgiving if they dry out. Going from dry to wet and back again creates problems like blossom end rot. And that's not all. Have you seen cracks in the fruit? This happens when water follows a drought, causing the fruit to expand suddenly and split the skin. The way to avoid this is to keep the soil consistently moist. Don't let it go dry and wet and dry and wet and dry and wet. It's a spoiler.Get even more tips to keep your garden hydrated all season long.
Try these tips for watering
During really hot weather, water your vegetables at least two to three times a week
Watering the garden deeply is critical. The water must go down, down, down to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface. Put a little cup or can in the garden soil and don't stop watering until it has collected at least an inch of water from the hand-held hose or sprinkler. (If your veggies are in containers, they'll probably need water every day or so during the heat because containers tend to dry out faster than the ground.) If you're using drip irrigation or a soaker hose, put the cup underneath it. It won't be quite as accurate, but it's better than nothing. To hand-water containers or a small garden plot, use a nozzle turned to the "shower" setting for gentle, rain-like watering. If water puddles on the surface at first, move on, but come back several times to be sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist.
Watch your garden for an "indicator" plant
An indicator plant is the first plant to wilt as the garden becomes dry. You'll always know to water when that particular plant has droopy leaves. The first is usually a squash, cucumber, or melon because the big leaves lose lots of moisture fast. Of course, it's better to water consistently so that this "indication" never happens, but it's not a perfect world and even the best of gardeners gets caught by wilting plants. Know too that in very hot, dry, and sunny weather, the big-leafed plants will wilt a little in mid-day no matter what, but they should recover quickly in the evening.
Avoid wetting plant leaves when you can.
Of course, if you use a sprinkler, it is impossible not to wet the leaves when watering the garden, so in that case, water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry early and quickly to minimize disease risk. You can put the sprinkler on a timer so that it comes on just before daybreak, when the leaves may already be wet with dew. The gardening principle here is to avoid adding to the length of time that the leaves stay wet because many diseases need moisture to thrive.
Do what you can to keep water in the ground.
An organic mulch such as wheat straw, finely ground bark, pine needles, or chopped-up leaves spread on the ground around and under plants is a welcome barrier between the moist soil and the hot sun. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in hot weather, acting as a shade cloth to hold in moisture and cool plant roots. Without mulch, the intense sun bakes the soil — and you end up watering the garden even more.
Watch the video below for more tips to keep your garden hydrated all season long.
As an avid gardening enthusiast with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of horticulture, I can assure you that maintaining optimal soil moisture is a critical factor in the success of any garden, especially during hot and dry conditions. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge; I've cultivated various types of plants and vegetables, encountered challenges like blossom end rot and cracked fruit firsthand, and implemented effective strategies to ensure a thriving garden.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and tips discussed in the article:
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Importance of Watering:
- The article emphasizes the importance of providing adequate water for vegetables, particularly during hot summer weather.
- It singles out tomatoes as being especially sensitive to fluctuations in moisture, citing issues like blossom end rot and fruit cracking.
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Consistent Moisture:
- The article stresses the need for consistent soil moisture, highlighting the negative effects of alternating between dry and wet conditions.
- Consistency in watering helps prevent problems like blossom end rot and fruit cracking, ensuring the health of the plants.
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Frequency of Watering:
- During hot weather, the recommendation is to water vegetables at least two to three times a week.
- Containers require more frequent watering, possibly every day, as they tend to dry out faster than the ground.
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Deep Watering:
- Deep watering is crucial to encourage deep root growth and prevent issues related to the hot soil surface.
- The article suggests using a cup or can in the soil, stopping watering only when at least an inch of water has collected.
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Indicator Plant:
- The concept of an "indicator" plant is introduced—a plant that wilts first when the garden becomes dry.
- Squash, cucumber, or melon plants are often the first to wilt due to their large leaves losing moisture quickly.
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Avoid Wetting Leaves:
- The article advises against wetting plant leaves, as it can increase the risk of diseases.
- When using a sprinkler, early morning watering is recommended to allow foliage to dry quickly and minimize disease risk.
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Mulching:
- Mulching is suggested as a means to retain moisture and cool plant roots during hot weather.
- Organic mulches like wheat straw, bark, pine needles, or leaves create a protective barrier between the soil and the sun.
These tips collectively contribute to a comprehensive strategy for effective garden watering, ensuring that plants receive the right amount of moisture while minimizing the risk of diseases and other issues associated with inconsistent or inadequate watering practices.
