You’re probably thinking that there’s nothing difficult about watering, that you simply sprinkle the plants with water and then you don’t have to worry about them. But the opposite is true – watering and water management in general is a science! We’ll at least give you the basics on how to look after your garden so that it doesn’t suffer from drought or excess moisture.
Principle 1: Don’t water too much or too little
Generally speaking, it is said to be ideal if the moisture gets at least 20 cm below the surface. For example, hoeing the plants will help, which loosens the soil and removes the hardness. Some plants, such as potatoes or onions, do not need as much moisture as cucumbers or peppers. Think about it and save an extra litre. Above all, though, take the trouble to really pour water down to the roots. Moist soil a metre away from the seedling does no good.
Principle 2: Choose the right time
You can’t sprinkle water on a seedling whenever you feel like it. On days that are too hot, the plants will steam up or the sun will take all the water away. That’s why it’s best to set a routine and stick to it. Either get up early in the morning or go out into the garden in the evening when the sun is not so hot. Watering in the morning is considered to be more inconvenient as the air is humid in the morning and the water will not evaporate as much. Just make sure that the water is not icy, especially in the hot summer.
Principle 3: Use a rain barrel
Have you been watering with the faucet until now? It’s unnecessarily more expensive and doesn’t actually do the garden any good. You’d do better to install a few barrels or other large containers in your garden and start catching the rainwater. And if you’re worried about the aesthetic impact this will have on your garden, consider buying an underground tank, which will not only save you space in your garden, but also keep the water at the ideal temperature. Or perhaps if you have young children, they would certainly enjoy using paint to brighten up the barrels.