Watering 101
Water is essential to the life of any living thing."
When I first started my garden I had no idea how much water my garden required each week. I just watered when things got droopy. What I learned along the way was that keeping things hydrated in the garden is as important as keep my own body hydrated.
Like people, all plants are different. Some require more water than others. The hanging baskets throughout town require daily watering in order to maintain their health and vigor. We do the same thing at home with our container plantings. Make sure your containers have proper drainage. Plants love water, but I've never come across one that could swim.
When the Helena Beautification Board starting planting in Old Town four years ago, we looked for plants that could take the heat and survive with only the water that fell from the sky. Our roses and rosemary program has yielded beautiful results. These plants provide texture and color all throughout the season. This year, we added beds of native perennials once again we wanted plants that could not only withstand the heat of an Alabama summer, but also the heat generated from the asphalt and concrete that surrounds the beds. Seek out native plants whenever possible and plants that are known to be "earth kind."
For vegetable growers, watering your garden at least three times a week when the temps are in the 80's and above is a good practice. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening will give you best results. It's always better to water deeply a few times a week than to just give it a swipe with the sprayer each day. Deep watering allows for the moisture to remain at ground level where the plant needs it the most. I find waht I call a "watering indicator" plant. One that you notice wilts first. This is a signal to water. By following these tips, you'll have healthier plants and a more robust vegetable yield.
Like people, all plants are different. Some require more water than others. The hanging baskets throughout town require daily watering in order to maintain their health and vigor. We do the same thing at home with our container plantings. Make sure your containers have proper drainage. Plants love water, but I've never come across one that could swim.
When the Helena Beautification Board starting planting in Old Town four years ago, we looked for plants that could take the heat and survive with only the water that fell from the sky. Our roses and rosemary program has yielded beautiful results. These plants provide texture and color all throughout the season. This year, we added beds of native perennials once again we wanted plants that could not only withstand the heat of an Alabama summer, but also the heat generated from the asphalt and concrete that surrounds the beds. Seek out native plants whenever possible and plants that are known to be "earth kind."
For vegetable growers, watering your garden at least three times a week when the temps are in the 80's and above is a good practice. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening will give you best results. It's always better to water deeply a few times a week than to just give it a swipe with the sprayer each day. Deep watering allows for the moisture to remain at ground level where the plant needs it the most. I find waht I call a "watering indicator" plant. One that you notice wilts first. This is a signal to water. By following these tips, you'll have healthier plants and a more robust vegetable yield.
About The Author
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian", Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing the world's most beloved flower, the rose. He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith's Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the Top 100 places to live in the US. His writing is seen on About.com, HGTV, Home Depot Gardening Club and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening. An agent of change with over 20 years' experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticulture societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.