Watering helps to keep our plants alive but not necessarily to thrive as they would with decent rains. Water use on both sites has increased considerably but I remind of you on some steps that can help ‘stem the flow’.
- Ideally water early morning or late evening
- Concentrate on crops that really need water – those newly sown or planted and top up when needed.
- Mulch around plants to help prevent evaporation
- Dig a hole a spade’s width and depth, fill with manure or other organic matter, place a little soil on top and water well before planting out tomatoes, courgettes etc., similarly a trench for beans etc., leaving a shallow depression around plants to keep the water where it is needed.
- Overwatering can be counterproductive. Plants can become lazy spreading their roots near the surface where watering supplies them rather down to find moisture to make a stronger root system and plant.
- When watering is necessary, better to give a soaking once a week rather than a dribble each day.
Mick (Chairman)