Water Gardens Deeply to Develop Healthy Roots

One of the most common mistakes made by new and experienced gardeners is failing to water their garden properly. We all fall victim to the thought that we can give it "a little drink" now and tend to it later. What many do not realize is that giving your garden frequent light waterings sets you and your garden up for failure.


When gardens are watered lightly - wetting the soil at the surface - the roots of the plants grow upward toward the surface of the soil to get water. This causes the plant to develop a shallow root system. When drought threatens the roots cannot reach water and your plants quickly wilt and die - but that's not the only threat.


Plant's roots provide water and nutrients to your plants, but they also provide support for the growing plant and fruit.  Without that support system, your plants become weak and are easily damaged by wind and weather.


To develop a strong root system your plants need to be watered deeply, so the water reaches the root zone. This encourages roots to form deep in the soil. When drought threatens, these healthy roots grow even deeper in search of water.


So the next time you are tempted to give your garden a quick drink, consider the consequences. Light watering actually trains your plants to be dependent on you for relief as soon as the surface of the soil dries - but those that have been watered deeply send their roots downward where the soil typically remains cool and moist.


Water your garden deeply once or twice a week - or whenever the soil feels dry one inch below the surface.


                                  Until Next Time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!


Check back tomorrow for instructions on using PVC pipe for vertical irrigation. You are going to love this simple technique.

---