Now that your plants have been in the ground for a while, you may need some reminders on maintenance. Watering and fertilizing are important to any thriving garden!
Watering Basics
If you’re growing in containers or raised beds, your plant friends may need more water then your inground plants. They need more water because the soil mixture in these containers is designed to drain faster then soil in your inground bed. Also, being above ground means the temperature rises quicker increasing the evaporation of water.
Watering in the morning seems to be best as chances of evaporation are greater with temps rising throughout the day. If you choose to water in the evening, avoid wetting the leaves. Direct your water to the roots to avoid diseases like root rot and fungus.
Herb Watering
Knowing your local climate is essential to knowing how to water your herbs. A schedule of daily watering may not always be best. Some gardeners have had success watering once to twice a week (depending on temperature and rainfall).
Different species have different requirements, here is a few examples:
Basil: With full sun in the outdoors, watering once a week can be sufficient. When touching the soil, it should feel cool and slightly moist.
Dill: Dill can seem temperamental due to its need for proper watering. You want to maintain 1 to 2 inches of damp soil around the plant at all times!
Mint: Some varieties of mint are the few garden herbs that may require daily watering. The soil surrounding the mint should be moist at all times. Be sure to avoid overwatering as mint needs balance.
Vegetable Watering
When watering the vegetables in your garden, taking rainfall into consideration is crucial. The general rule is your plants need one inch of water per week. Now, this does not necessarily mean water your veggies once a week, around 3 times a week is a perfect balance.
A few examples:
Beets: Be sure to water before soil is dry, around 3 times a week.
Celery: Frequent watering, at least 6 times a week.
Onions: Watering about 3 times a week.
Radishes: Loves moisture and needs a lot of it.
Tomatoes: Needs lots of water, on hot days they may need to be watered twice a day.
Peppers: Watered once a week and allowed to drain properly.
The Importance of Fertilizing
Fertilizers promote healthy plant growth by replacing lost nutrients. This replenishment increases the amount of budding, flower production, and fruiting. Your garden should be fertilized every three to four weeks in growing season. Potted plants lose moisture and nutrients faster, meaning more frequent fertilizing.
Fertilizing is very important, and depending on the approach you’re using will determine the frequency. Generally, a liquid will suggest every two weeks, as a granular may be only two to three times a season. Either way, follow product directions and monitor growth and plant health.
Let’s do a recap –
- Plants will let you know when they are too dry by drooping, changing color, etc.
- Always check soil before watering to avoid over watering.
- Your garden needs to be fertilized regularly to thrive.
And if you have any further questions feel free to stop down at Jolly Lane Greenhouse where we have the answers!