Methods of watering plants: Plants cannot live without water. It is the biggest sensitive issue for serious losses amongst the plants at most risk. Newly planted shrubs and trees, bedding plants, shallow-rooted vegetables, climbers, and with all garden plants even deep-rooted plants battle against water shortage. Soil with an average crop of plants loses about 41/2 gallons of water per sq. yd. per week in summer and 2 gallons per week in spring and autumn. This is equivalent to 1 inch of rain or applied water in summer and ½ inch in spring or autumn. If there is no rain and you have not watered the ground, this water comes from the soil’s reserve, and drying out occurs.
A point is reached when there is no enough water left in the soil to support healthy plant growth, and the foliage starts to look dull. Leaf rolling is soon followed by wilting and leaf fall- the final stage is death. So, watering plants is a very important task in gardening. In this article, we’ll know about 2 Golden methods of watering plants.
Methods of watering plants
- Point watering methods
- Overall watering methods
1. Point watering methods
There are three methods in this system which are as follows-
- Seep hose watering
- Basin watering
- Pot watering
Seep hose watering
Basically a plastic hose pipe bearing a series of pinholes along the sides opposite plants. Water seeps through these holes to water ground around roots. Sophisticated types are available with nozzles or small tubes instead of pinholes. Popular with professional tomato growers but not really for the amateurs.
Basin watering
A useful method for large shrubs r roses growing in the well-drained ground which dries out quickly. Build a ridge of soil around each bush and fill this basin using a hosepipe or watering can each time you water.
Pot watering
A useful method where a limited number of large plants (e.g.
Tomatoes, Dahlias) are grown. Bury a large pot near the base at planting time-
don’t delay this task until or roots will be disturbed. Fill the pot slowly
with the required amount of water.
2. Overall watering methods
There are three methods in this system which are as follows-
Watering can
Impractical for overall watering in anything larger than a tiny garden. Vital, however, for point watering a few plants. Choose the right size and short of can- 2 gallons with a metal rose for garden use, 1 gallon with long support for the greenhouse, and a pint-size for house plants.
Static sprinkler
The simplest type of sprinkler. Water output is high and the pattern is quite even, but the area covered is relatively small. Buy stalked model for beds and borders – use a ground-level model for lawns.
Standard nozzle
The most practical method of general watering. For large plants, water around the base of the stems and not over the leaves. Use spray setting for small plants- be careful not to disturb the soil and dislodge plants.
Rotary sprinkler
Two or 3 rotating arms produce a circle of fine droplets. Very popular and many brands are available. Some are adjustable for the fineness of spray and area covered.
Pulse-jet sprinkler
Expensive but a larger area is covered than with other types of sprinkler. A single jet produces a narrow arc of droplets. The jet rotating as a series of pulses. By a stalked model for beds and borders.
Oscillating sprinkler
A horizontal tube beating a series of small holes. A rectangular spray pattern is obtained as the tube slowly oscillates from side to side. All are adjustable areas covered.
Sprinkler Hose
Basically a flattened hose pip bearing a series of fine holes on the upper surface. A rectangular spray pattern is obtained- excellent for grass paths, rows, and vegetables. Check if local authority allows them.
Keyword: 2 Golden Methods Of Watering Plants