Water Necessary for Plant Survival

The result of extreme heat on plants is very drastic, causing water loss from the leaves to increase rapidly. Plant lovers may feel sympathy for plants wilted and wasting as a result of drought. Even gardeners who do not have this feeling should be aware that a good moisture supply is necessary for satisfactory plant growth.

Many areas have experienced extremely dry weather recently. Even though a thundershower may ease dry conditions, it takes an extended rainy period before critical drought is over. Trees and shrubs planted during the past several years are particularly subject to injury or death during dry periods, since their root systems are still fairly shallow and of limited size. Also, large plants which have suffered root injury due to construction, or other earthmoving that has cut off some roots or changed grade, may develop leaf scorch or die during extremely dry periods.

This damage may show up rather abruptly. Good, thorough watering is the only way to help new or weak plants through drought conditions without losing them or having them damaged. There are many methods for irrigating plants around the home. For the average home grounds, movable sprinkers are easiest to manage and handle, especially where gardens are small or land uneven.

Ornamental shrubs and trees can be easily watered individually by forming a basin of earth around the plants and filling with water about twice weekly during extremely dry periods. At the end of the dry period, open these basins so that they do not continue to trap water. Failure to do this will result in overwatering and root damage. At this time of year most plants require about two inches of water per week. If normal rainfall does not supply this amount, then the remainder should be added.

A rain gauge is inexpensive and extremely useful for determining watering needs. Always water thoroughly at any one time. Avoid frequent light waterings, which tend to promote shallow root growth. Some plants are subject to disease infection if leaves remain wet for long periods. Water early enough in the day so that the foliage is dry by nightfall. Increasing cost of water makes careful watering more important for many home owners. Do not water too rapidly, to avoid run-off, and wasted water. Many home sprinklers apply water faster than the soil is able to absorb it.

Turn off and move the sprinkler when run-off begins. Even if the cost of water is not a problem, run-off should be avoided since it promotes soil erosion. If the area is not thoroughly welted when run-off begins, remove the sprinkler promptly and return it to the area to complete watering after several hours. An estimate of the amount of water applied from a sprinkler at any one time can be obtained by placing several straight sided cans or jars, such as coffee cans, in the sprinkled area. By measuring the depth of water collected in the cans we can get an idea of how much water has been applied.

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