A Summer Watering Routine

by Angela Koop

If you are like me, constantly seeking ways to simplify your life and spend more time enjoying your garden’s beauty, then watering becomes a crucial aspect of your routine. Personally, I nd great pleasure in watering my garden in the early morning while sipping co ee, with my dogs playfully running around the yard. However, there is more to this morning ritual than just the serenity of a new day.

Watering plants in the early morning has numerous bene ts, such as minimizing evaporation and preventing certain plant diseases that tend to emerge during this time of year.

When I water my plants in the morning, I am careful to direct the water to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves. Water on the leaves creates a favourable environment for fungus to grow, resulting in aesthetically unpleasing and unhealthy plants. Furthermore, unhealthy plants may release stress pheromones, attracting pests to your garden. By watering early in the morning, I provide ample time for the leaves to dry o before the cooler part of the day arrives, which is an ideal condition for fungus development.

For newly planted plants, it’s crucial to focus the watering on the root ball. Since these plants haven’t had the opportunity to establish their roots in the surrounding soil, they rely on direct moisture supply. By placing the watering wand at the base of the plant, I ensure that the water reaches the necessary area. However, it’s important not to rush the watering process, as hand watering o en leads to insu cient watering. To gauge the appropriate watering time, try lling a 5-gallon pail using your watering wand and take note of the duration. Adjust the watering time for each plant accordingly, considering that an average 10-gallon plant requires 5 gallons of water every three days.

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To simplify and optimize your watering experience, consider installing a drip irrigation system. ese systems are not only e cient but also cost-e ective for watering your garden. While sprinklers and hand watering are only 65-75% e cient, drip irrigation boasts an impressive 90% e ciency by limiting runo and evaporation. By providing water directly to the root zone of plants, a drip system ensures e cient water usage.

To get started with a drip irrigation system, you can utilize your outdoor garden faucet and extend one line of drip irrigation for up to 400 feet. Expand the system with a timer and additional lines to cover all areas of your garden, including hanging baskets and planters. To plan your drip irrigation system e ectively, begin by drawing a map of your garden. en, consult a drip irrigation expert who can assist you in gathering all the necessary supplies tailored to your speci c gardening needs.

In conclusion, optimizing your watering routine and embracing e cient systems like drip irrigation can simplify your gardening experience and allow you to spend more time enjoying the beauty of your garden. By watering in the morning, focusing on the base of the plants, and considering the needs of newly planted ones, you can promote healthy growth while reducing the risk of plant diseases. Investing in a drip irrigation system o ers long-term bene ts, increasing water e ciency and providing a hassle-free solution to keep your garden thriving.