Tips on Keeping Your Garden Hydrated

Depending on the rain alone to water a garden is a bad idea. Into the summer months it can become very hot and during this time it might not rain for weeks. Without a nearby water source, plants will wither up and die. So it is important to figure out a watering system for your garden.

Sprinklers can be used for gardening but they waste water. They have to be constantly moved to make sure each plant gets its share. This almost always results in some plants getting too much water and some not getting enough. If you must use a sprinkler, use an overhead version. They cover more area.

If you know ahead of time that having a water source nearby is a problem, you can fix that before you plant. You can use a plastic jug or tall milk carton with small holes placed all around the base. Just plant these jugs right next to where you expect to be planting a vegetable and fill them with water. When the rain is not enough to feed the plant, you can get water directly to the roots. This is the only way to go if you are trying to conserve water. If you do choose this option, once a week lightly mist the leaves of the plants either in the morning or at dusk.

Digging circular, small ditches around a row of plants is a good idea if your only water comes from a garden hose. Make sure the plants are elevated on a small hill and that their roots are covered. If the circles are connected between plants, you can just set the hose in front of the first plant and let the water flow to the other plants. Making sure that only the plants are being watered.

There are water dripping garden hoses designed just for irrigating plants. But I made one out of an old garden hose. With a knife I placed holes in the hose about an inch apart. Try to make the holes the same size. Then just snake the hose among the plants. Do not turn the water on full blast. This wastes water. Just turn on the water until a steady, small amount flows out.

Some gardeners believe that plants should be watered everyday. In normal conditions, ( 75 to 80 degrees with moderate rainfall) a garden only needs to be watered once a week. But if you feel the soil and its dry and sandy, then it should be watered right away. Be careful not to over water. It wastes water and damages the root system.