Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
you are watering tiny seedlings, you want a nozzle that will give a
light spray of water-a Haws watering can is great for this. If you are
watering larger plants, the holes can be bigger to give a heavier
spray of water.
If you choose to water with a hose, you must again consider the
nozzle. Choosing one that has a variety of spray options is best. That
allows you to give a lighter or heavier spray depending on what kind
of plant you are watering. Making sure your hose easily reaches all
areas of your garden site will make it easier for you to water regu-
larly.
Smoothie Garden Solution
Water is crucial for seed germination and seed growth, so it is
important to keep your seedbed moist until the seeds have ger-
minated. When setting out your transplants, make sure the seed-
lings are moist when planted and water again after planting. Young
seedlings have very shallow roots, so you do not want the soil to
dry out.
Some plants do better if you hand-water them. For example, con-
tainers are best hand-watered and there is less waste than using a
sprinkler. Larger vegetable plants such as broccoli, cabbages, and
cauliflower do better with hand-watering; if you use an overhead
sprinkler to water them, the leaves can keep the water from reach-
ing the roots. Other plants like tomatoes, squash, and carrots attract
pests and disease more readily if their leaves get wet, so hand-
watering can be one way to keep them healthy.
Hand-watering your vegetable garden can take up a lot of time,
which is one definite disadvantage. It can take up to an hour to
water a ten-foot-square garden and do it well. Plants often do not
