Watering

[alldigging]

Any good watering hints?

Mine are:
Mulch, mulch, mulch
Water early or late.
Water the plant not a wide area.

[judy2shoes]

What do you use to mulch?

[alldigging]

Anything.
Hay, bark, grass cuttings, cardboard etc

[veggiechicken]

Water:-
plants in greenhouse
plants in pots
newly planted out seedlings and transplants

Nothing else!

[Tinabalerina]

I use funnels to water direct to roots rather than all over the soil, especially for veg in pots. Limits the chance of a crust forming on the top of the soil too.

[Bren In Pots]

Water:-
plants in greenhouse
plants in pots
newly planted out seedlings and transplants

Nothing else!

I do just the same then cover with mulch.

[The Allotment Shed]

Do not water with a hosepipe. Freezing cold water will slow down your plants.
Use stored water whenever possible.


Remember, a bad day at the allotment is still better than a good day at work!

[Wedwards]

Hi, I tend to water each day at the allotment when it is hot, is this necessary? Never know when to water, would save me a lot of time if I didn't need to go everyday. I am growing the following,

Cabbages
Broccoli
Sweet corn
Squashes
Pumpkins
Carrots
Beet root
Onions (over winter)
Garlic
Courgettes
Broad beans
Turnips.

I live in Nottingham

Thanks

[toby6668]

Do not water with a hosepipe. Freezing cold water will slow down your plants.
Use stored water whenever possible.

crikey. I'd never considered this. Hmmmm so much to learn!

[Thelma Sanders]

I follow RHS advice dig a small hole, if there's any moisture a few inches down then there's no need to water established stuff.
Seed/seedling rows, potted stuff and transplants get watered - nothing else until the soil shows it's needed!
Vegetables: watering / Royal Horticultural Society

[veggiechicken]

A good soak once a week is better than a daily dribble

[toby6668]

Should we adopt this idea for personal hygiene too? :-)

[toby6668]

Jealous of your smiley faces! How do you do that on the iPhone app?

[The Allotment Shed]

A good soak once a week is better than a daily dribble

Agreed

I only water established plants if they begin to wilt. This is a very rare occurrence in this country.
Potatoes and onions I treat a little differently as they approach harvesting time, as they need water to do well.


Remember, a bad day at the allotment is still better than a good day at work!

[veggiechicken]

Should we adopt this idea for personal hygiene too? :-)

Once a year is about right for a bath