Temperatures are rising and we are left wanting for rain as the drought trudges along. We can see it in the browning grass, dusty soils, low ponds, and wilting leaves. Thankfully, we can do more than just cross our fingers in anticipation of the next rain. Here are a few things to remember as we manage our irrigation to help keep plants hydrated and healthy.
- Water the soil, not the plant.
While leaves may look a little sad and wilted, watering them isn’t the best way to perk them back up. In fact, this might further trouble them, as overly wet leaves increase the likelihood of disease issues. Instead, focus on watering the base of the plant, at the roots where water is taken up from the soil. Furthermore, make sure to minimize splashiness when watering. Disease from the soil can splash up onto your leaves, or from one diseased plant to another.
- Timing is key.
Water in the cool of the day. This strategic timing of irrigation conserves water by reducing loss through evaporation from heat and the sun’s energy. Morning time is an ideal time to water. While evenings are also cooler, you risk leaving leaves wet overnight, thus increasing the likelihood of disease.
- Consider mulching your soil.
Keeping your soil covered will help reduce evaporation, as well as buffer soil temperatures and decrease weed pressure. Before mulching, be sure to thoroughly water your soil. Then, apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark, straw, or compost around established plants. Be sure not to pile mulch up around plant stems, and leave some bare space around any new seedlings.
- Intentional placement of water.
Apply water to the roots of your crops to ensure you are placing water where it can be used best. As best as you can, direct your water to the rows you are growing in. This cuts down on excess use by watering only where it is needed. In other words, avoid watering in the walkways and don’t water your weeds.
Drip irrigation is a great system for more precise placement of water. It supplies water right where it is needed and uses less of it. Sprinklers, on the other hand, water more broadly and experience loss to wind and evaporation. Taller plants can block the sprinkler from reaching shorter plants, so be sure to position your sprinkler in a way that allows all plants to get watered. If you are considering a more precise irrigation system but aren’t ready to switch over to drip, consider the lower cost soaker hose option.
- Aim for 1 inch of water per week for vegetable gardens.
The goal with irrigation is to keep the top 6 inches of the soil moist. Typically, this can be done with about an inch of water a week. How you split up irrigation depends on your soil type. Sandy soils don’t hold water very well and would benefit from smaller, more frequent irrigation events. Think half an inch twice a week. Heavy clay soils are better at holding water and may do well with one irrigation event a week. Overall, aim to water deeply and infrequently. Watering too shallowly and too frequently discourages the plant from growing a deep, strong root system.
For additional Small Farms information, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office, 919-496-3344, Alejandra Martinez.
