Watering and Weeding

You cannot always rely on the amount of rain to sufficiently meet your vegetables moisture needs.

How to Water

The best time of day to water is early in the morning, before the sun gets too hot. This allows the water to reach the root zone of the plants before the water evaporates.

Plants only use water that comes into contact with their roots. Water the soil around the roots of the plants and not the leaves. Wetting the leaves can encourage disease and burn the leaves if they are watered in the hot sun.

How Much Water

Seeds only need enough moisture to germinate, too much moisture can rot the seeds. Mature plants will require more moisture.

A standard rule is that vegetables require 1 inch of water per week, but not all at the same time. The actual amount of water your garden requires also depends on, the amount of rain, soil drainage etc.

Water the garden when the soil around the roots is dry. You will water more when the weather is hotter. When the weather cools, watering frequency will decrease.

Weeding

A weed is a plant that is growing where it is not wanted. Weeds take up valuable space, while competing with other plants for nutrients, water and light.