| Author |
Posts |
|
|
Shezpick
Forum newbie - be nice!
Posts: 2
Location: Melbourne
Registered: September 2008
|
How much is too much watering? Posted 54 days ago Hi,
This is my first time on this forum! We have recently moved into a new home and planted various plants, and a vegie garden. As water restrictions only allow watering 2 mornings per week, I have been saving my daughters bath water (and careful about what goes into it) for the plants, and using the cold water and washing foods etc which is clean for the vegies and seeds. I have been just pouring it on as its gathered, or we put the bath water into a tub and use the next morning. My question is how much water do they need - my husband believes that if they are watered in the morning, then I shouldn't be putting any more on them as I get it, and rather store the excess water. The weather is warming up and I'm not sure a little extra water will kill them off???
I would be greatful for any advice - I am new to the garden, but loving it (and my 2 year old does too).
Cheers.
_________
The glass is always half full!! |
0 0
Alert moderator
|
|
|
greenfingers
Forum regular
Posts: 43
Location:
Registered: October 2007
|
RE: How much is too much watering? Posted 53 days ago Hi there. Over watering can be just as harmful to plants as under watering. A good way to test is to feel the soil, if it feels dry then its time for a drink, however if the soil feels moist then it doesnt need any water. It also depends on the type of plants as well, as some drought tolerant plants, can go days, even weeks without water. |
0 0
Alert moderator
|
|
|
Shezpick
Forum newbie - be nice!
Posts: 2
Location: Melbourne
Registered: September 2008
|
RE: How much is too much watering? Posted 52 days ago Hi Greenfingers,
Thankyou for your comments! I have done a bit of searching on google, and that is the conclusion I came to also, however the soil appears dry on the surface so I need to dig deeper as I understand. Looks like the hubby may be right with this one!! Damb it!! Ha ha.
_________
The glass is always half full!! |
0 0
Alert moderator
|
|
|
pomolo
Forum celebrity
Posts: 471
Location:
Registered: September 2007
|
RE: How much is too much watering? Posted 52 days ago If you mulch your plants then they will need even less watering because the mulch will help to keep the water from evaporating. |
0 0
Alert moderator
|
|
|
14theroze
Forum stalwart
Posts: 224
Location: SW NSW
Registered: October 2007
|
RE: How much is too much watering? Posted 51 days ago How much water indeed. A good question. I know that I have killed the occasional plant by over watering - though it's probably more a case of not enough drainage at it's roots when it needed good drainage.
For me it's trial and error. Most plants thrive well if given extra water, especially the leafy pants in your vege patch or young seedlings coming up. Plants that do well without much watering usually do like extra watering during it's establishment phase, though cooler and humid weather seems to be enough for some of these plants.
Having a storage place for your extra water is a good idea. We have some 44 gallon drums that I fill up during rare wet weather times with my washing machine water, to save for the front garden when the rain stops.
I think it depends on how wet your already watered patch is as to weather you should add more water to it or not. The extra water may just run off and be wasted unless you can be sure it stays near the root area of your plants where it can be used. I find the occasional good deep soak is more effective on my ornamental plants in the garden rather than regular quick waterings (which often doesn't moisten the deeper soil and root areas).
_________
Even the hard, dull, dry ground harbours life - which is brought to the surface with the fresh touch of drenching rain (or the humble watering can). |
0 0
Alert moderator
|
|
