How to Water a Raised Vegetable Garden
Raised vegetable gardening is an ideal way to grow your own produce and enjoy the health benefits of fresh produce. In order to keep your plants healthy, and to ensure maximum yields, you need to provide them with the right amount of water.
What You Need to Water Your Vegetable Garden
Before you start watering your vegetable garden, you will need:
- A water hose
- A watering can
- A soil moisture meter
- Mulch
How Often Should You Water a Raised Vegetable Garden
To ensure optimal growth, your raised vegetable garden will need to be watered regularly and consistently. During the summer months, it is recommended that you water your garden at least once a week, and more if you notice that the soil is drying out. This can vary, however, depending on the climate you live in and the types of vegetables, herbs and fruits that you are growing.
In generally drier climates, you may need to water your raised vegetable garden more often than once a week. For example, if you live in a hot, dry environment, you should water your garden at least twice a week. On the other hand, if you live in an area with cooler, wetter weather, then you may need to water your garden less often.
Tips For Watering A Raised Vegetable Garden
- Water your garden in the morning or evening. This will reduce the possibility of evaporation, and also give your plants time to absorb the water.
- Aim to water the soil rather than the leaves. This will help to reduce the chance of water-borne diseases.
- Apply mulch to your vegetable garden. This will help to retain moisture and can reduce the amount of watering your plants need.
- Use a soil moisture meter to check the moisture levels of your soil. This will help you to avoid over-watering.
- Water the base of the plants rather than the top of the foliage. This will encourage the roots to spread out and reach down into the soil, helping them to absorb more water.
Watering your raised vegetable garden correctly is essential if you want to ensure maximum yields. Use these tips and consider the climate you live in to determine the frequency of watering for your garden.
