No question: During the summer months you have to water the garden. However, it is often not that easy to find the right balance when it comes to water supply. Both too much water and too little can have a serious impact on the expected harvest. With our tips, your plants will get exactly what they need.

It should be watered in the morning or evening if possible

How to recognize a garden that is too dry

Many Mediterranean herbs, such as thyme or sage, are used to drought and, if necessary, survive longer periods of heat without watering. Almost all other vegetables and herbs, on the other hand, do not tolerate prolonged drought. The plants often wither after just a few days; and once the limp, lightened leaves begin to turn brown, there is little to save. In less drastic cases, growth falters or leafy greens or salads "shoot", i. H. they begin to flower prematurely and are therefore unusable for further use in the kitchen. Fruit vegetables shed buds and flowers when they are dry, tubers, turnips and fruits remain small, burst open and dry up. In addition, keeping the plants too dry promotes pests such as aphids, spider mites and flea beetles.

Too much moisture leads to rot

On the other hand, if the plants are constantly or frequently too wet, this increases the susceptibility to fungal diseases; especially when the leaves, blossoms and fruits are constantly being watered. And if the soil is always wet, even roots, bulbs, tubers and turnips can rot.

Proven tips for optimal water supply in the vegetable garden

However, with these tips you ensure the right water supply in your vegetable garden. Always loosen the soil surface before watering so that the precious water can seep straight through to the roots.

  • Water every one to three days during dry periods and depending on the season.
  • Allow the soil surface to dry thoroughly to a depth of five centimeters in between.
  • Exception: seeds and freshly planted young plants must always be kept slightly moist.
  • Never pour all the water at once, but take short breaks.
  • The water can seep into these from time to time.
  • Never water in the blazing midday sun.
  • Better times are in the morning or mid-morning.
  • You can also water in the early evening, but not too late.
  • Nocturnal humidity favors fungal diseases and attracts snails.
  • Always water directly at the root area, never over the above-ground parts of the plant.

tips

A rule of thumb says that leafy plants need around 10 to 20 liters of water per square meter. So water salads, spinach, chard and co. very thoroughly, especially on dry, hot days.

Category:

Vegetable garden