Ways to Water: Hand watering

What is the go-to way you water your garden? In this series we will explore the importance of watering your plants, or irrigation. There are several methods of watering the garden, one of these methods is hand watering.

What is hand watering?

Hand watering is when you manually water using a pail or a hose to water your veggies. While this option is the lowest tech, it is still effective and efficient. You will physically see how much the plant is getting, too. I find that this method helps to connect you to your garden more. But it can be a lot of work.

When to water

The water needs of your plant should dictate your practices. The best way to start if you’re unsure is to check your plants every day or so, and water with the tip half in of soil is try, or when your plants begin to wilt. Common signs of wilting are drooping, curling or shriveled leaves that are dry and yellow/brown in color.

Wait, hold your hoses. Let it be said that plants can be a little thirsty, it won’t hurt them. Picture this: you bring a cute little nursery veggie home – think of your favorite one. You just couldn’t leave it at your local garden center. You find a spot for it, and check on it every day, making sure to water it so it isn’t thirsty.

But the leaves turn brown and droop, why is that? You followed the label and gave it the right amount of sun. Maybe its wilting, it must need more water. Eventually your plant dies… why?

Roots need air to survive, which is why over watering can also stress and kill your veggies. The signs of overwatering are drooping, soft, yellowing leaves and mushy roots. It is good to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings for all plants, since waterlogged conditions often cause root rot (from the lack of air).

How to water

Deep waterings less frequently will be the key here. Watering less also benefits the development of roots. They’ll grow closer to the surface, which makes them more drought tolerant. In Florida, this is a good thing since drought conditions are common.

When you water container gardens, ensure water flows from the drainage holes in your containers before you stop. Aim the pail or hose toward the base of the plant, under the foliage. Don’t use a strong jet of water, delicately water your plants. Don’t water again until you can tell that your plants need water. Check for signs of wilting, like drooping, curling or shriveled leaves that are dry and yellow/brown in color.

Listen to the Soil

Use your natural soil sensor – your finger – to feel how dry the soil is. If the soil is dry up to the first joint of your finger, it may be time to water again. You’ll learn the watering preferences of your plant soon enough and will be able to follow their signs. Keep up with the forecast in your area, as it should affect your irrigation practices. In the hotter months, don’t be afraid to water more frequently if the soil is drying out. In the cooler months, when your plants slow in growth, they’ll also need less water.

Read Starting at the Bottom: Soil and Garden Health for more information.

A Tip for the Floridian Gardner

Read up on the seasonality of your plant. What does this mean? Understanding the natural growth cycle of your veggies and implementing the knowledge into you planting techniques will keep them growing optimally. When is the active growing season for your plant? Prepare for the water requirements to be higher during this time. And yes, your plants will be better off with less water when they’re not in their active growing season.

Conclusion

By being mindful of how we use water in our gardens and on our lawns, we can help conserve this precious resource while keeping our plants happy and healthy. Overall, promoting conservation, efficiency, and responsible practices ensures clean water availability, protecting Florida’s environment and supporting future generations.

Next in the series, read about drip irrigation.

For more information about water use and conservation in Florida, see Water Resources.

Have a question?

If you have any questions about gardening in Central Florida, please contact UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County at 352-518-0156. For more information on UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Community Gardens, and how you can join one, visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/. Supervising Agent: Dr. Whitney Elmore.

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