watering a garden is not as complicated as it may appear. Many individuals question how and when to water a garden while they are caring for plants or pots at home. They have issues with the techniques and regularity with which they water their garden. There are a few factors to consider when watering a garden, including the type of soil, the weather or climate surrounding you, and the type of plants you are planting. In general, watering thoroughly once a week is preferable to watering more frequently and shallowly.
However, many other aspects have a role, such as
Soil : The type of soil in which you are growing your plants is the most crucial. When it comes to watering plants, we must first determine which type of soil retains water or drains it quickly and readily.
It is well known that sandy soils hold less water than other soil types. As a result, the water drains faster and the soil dries out sooner. This sort of soil will keep water for a longer period of time, but it is also more prone to cause a water logging situation. As a result, it is recommended that you use compost to rebuild your soil. So that it drains with a reasonable delay and also retains the water.
Weather & Climate : The amount of water to be supplied to plants is also determined by the weather around where you live or the climate of the day. When the weather is hot and dry, it’s evident that we should water the plants more frequently, but when the weather is wet, the plants require less water. Overwatering in the rainy season can produce water logging, which can lead to fungal illnesses and plant rotting. In hot weather, applying a large amount of water is also recommended to avoid water loss due to evaporation. In the winter, though, gardeners often perplexed about irrigation. Plants require less water in the winter and most plants go into dormancy, however even if the plant is dormant, it has some basic metabolic operations that are driven by the water gathered from the soil, thus watering is still necessary in the winter but at different intervals.
Plants : Plants can also tell us when and how frequently they need to be watered. Different plants require different amounts of water. Plants that are larger require more water. The frequency and amount of watering are also determined by the plant’s root system. Plants with deep roots require a large amount of water less frequently, whereas plants with shallow roots require less water more frequently. Container plants require daily watering, however plants in hot and dry climates require twice or three times daily irrigation.
Effect of pH of water : Water with a pH of 7 is considered neutral, while water with a pH of less than 7 is considered acidic. Alkaline water is defined as water with a pH of more than 7. When water is supplied to plants, the pH of the water immediately affects the pH of the soil, causing damage to the plants. The most major impact of alkaline water is that it lowers plants’ ability to absorb nutrients. As a result, the plants display various deficiency signs on it. The most prevalent side effect of alkaline water is chlorosis, which is a loss of chlorophyll that causes the leaves to yellow over time. When high alkaline water is applied to soil on a regular basis, salt builds up in the soil, causing it to become saline. High salinity stunts growth and induces clotting. Plants show symptoms of deficit of other micronutrients, such as Zn, Fe, and Mg, due to a lack of nutrient absorption ability. More alkaline soil also inhibits the growth of microorganisms, lowering the soil’s fertility.
Watering Guidelines
1. Maintaining good soil moisture levels- most plants require an even moisture level in the soil, but even a minor drying of the soil before watering increases porosity and, eventually, root growth.
2. Watering should be done less frequently, but thoroughly, to ensure that it reaches the root zone and allows the roots to absorb nutrients from the soil.
3. Water the plant first thing in the morning or last thing at night. This will result in less water evaporation than daytime watering, and plants will be able to replenish themselves with enough water before the next day’s heat.
4. It is vital to keep leaves or foliage dry while watering. Disease and fungal diseases are more common in wet leaves.
5. Water should be applied gradually to allow it to infiltrate the soil and not run off. Otherwise, it will deplete essential nutrients.
6. Water uniformly around the plant — Watering only one side of the plant will result in one-sided root growth, which will result in inadequate nutrient absorption from the soil and have an influence on the plant’s growth.
7. Avoid water logging – If you apply too much water at once, the water will pool around the plant and cause it to rot. It prevents roots from breathing air in the soil. As a result, it’s possible that the roots will rot.
8. Water outdoor container plants once a day at the very least. Because soil dries out faster when the container is outside, outdoor plants in containers require extra water.
9. Do not use a jet spray nozzle to water container plants since it will destroy tender foliage, expose the root zone, and disturb the soil around the root zone.
10. At regular intervals, check the moisture level of the soil to obtain an idea of how much and when to water your plants.