Watering

One question often asked of our Miller Plant Farm experts pertains to how much watering do plants require.  The following tips should give you the information you need to see that your plants thrive.

• Although rainfall is a good source of water, there are usually some dry periods during the growing season when you will have to water your garden. It is important to do it properly.
• One thorough watering per week, equivalent to about an inch of rain, is enough.
• An inch of rain is about 28,000 gallons of water per acre or 65 gallons on 100 sq. ft. of garden. 
• Water early enough in the day so that moisture on the plants will dry off before dew appears; this will help prevent disease.
• A thorough watering should wet the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.
• Frequent light waterings encourage shallow rooting. These plants are poor feeders, are damaged more readily by high winds and suffer most severely in hot weather.
• Apply water to the soil gently and avoid runoff.
• Apply water with sprinklers or soaker hoses. Adjust them so that they give even distribution over the garden area.
• Consider drip irrigation so water is not lost through evaporation and to keep foilage dry.