Watering tips for the urban gardener

As the weather warms up gardeners are thinking about how often to water their yards and gardens. Scheduling, length, and the duration of watering can directly impact our quality of life.

Pesticides and fertilizers that can run off in soil and/or leach into the ground water are often the result of watering practices everyone uses. By applying sound water management principles gardeners can produce healthier higher yielding plants, help minimize water contamination and runoff, and maximize water infiltration and improve plant uptake.

Tips for responsible irrigation – Plants in general

Water by filling the entire root zone with water and then letting the area dry out before the next application. Avoid frequent light irrigations since it encourages shallow rooting. Continuous watering is discouraged as it tends to weaken plants and often results in other plant stressors. Plant water requirements vary depending on the weather, soil type and plant size, age and species. In the spring (and fall) water less frequently than in the heat of the summer. Gardeners might consider using drought tolerant or native plants that require minimal water.

Vegetables

Raising vegetables in our dry climate is sometimes a challenge since plants can dry out quickly requiring following a regular irrigation regimen. Don’t allow seedlings to completely dry out to the wilting point or they will not recover. If there is a choice, choose drip irrigation over sprinklers.

Where water is short, consider using shorter season water users or plants that can stand short periods of water stress. Avoid over irrigation, monitor soil moisture and maintain fertility.

More about watering next week.

For answers to your gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant County Extension office at 754-2011, ext. 4313 or by email at ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu.