10 neat things about water
How should you water your garden? Time of day, soil additives and nutrients are all possible ways to keep your plants from getting thirsty sooner than expected. So are some systems, both old-fashioned and state-of-the-art. But the best way? That’s explained in number 10.
1. Time of day for your plants.
They will soak up the good stuff any time they can get it! If you’ve ever heard that droplets of water will magnify the sun on leaves and burn them… that’s a myth. If you water in the evening, plants will take it in, but they aren’t “transpiring” (which they only do during the day, when they are photosynthesizing) so they don’t really need it at night. During the day, transpiring makes the plants ripe for taking in water.
2. Granny always watered in the morning.
Morning is a great time to water. The plants are actively photosynthesizing and taking in moisture, but it isn’t so hot that the water is all evaporating from the ground before it gets used by plants. That said, if you didn’t water in the morning and the plants really need it, go ahead later in the day.
3. Hydrogels.
Water beads, also known as Orbeez, are made of hydrogels. They’re the little balls that plump up when you add water. You can put cut flowers into them instead of water because they release water a little at a time. You can use different hydrogels in your garden soil, too. Look for the ones based on biomaterials that will break down eventually.
4. Silicon supplementation.
Silicon benefits plants by strengthening their structural integrity, enhancing drought tolerance through reduced water loss, and improving resistance to diseases and pests by forming a physical barrier in plant tissues. It also helps mitigate heavy metal toxicity and enhances nutrient uptake, leading to better overall plant health and productivity.
5. Water magnetizers.
Some gardeners use magnetic devices to treat water before applying it to plants, claiming it changes the molecular alignment of the water, making it easier for plants to absorb. The evidence is mostly anecdotal and science takes a dim view of the practice. Nobody has come up with an explanation of the mechanics of the claims made by water magnetizers and the claims have not been borne out by laboratory testing.
6. Wicking.
You can plant a wicking system into your containers. Include cotton rope a few inches below the soil, where the plant roots are, and extend the rope to outside the planter, into a container of water. The cotton will wick the water into the soil slowly. This can get you through a holiday away if you have no one to water your pots. Cover the container of water to be sure it doesn’t all evaporate!
An ancient method of irrigation using unglazed clay pots buried in the soil. The pots are filled with water which slowly seeps out into the surrounding soil, providing a consistent moisture source. Depending on the size of the olla, you can go a couple of weeks without watering.
8. Carefree plants.
Succulents and cactuses don’t need much water. Neither does lavender and Russian sage. For edibles, look to Swiss chard, Jerusalem artichoke, okra, beets and New Zealand spinach.
Use soil moisture sensors connected to a smart irrigation system. These devices assess the moisture level of the soil and automate watering schedules, ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of water without the need for manual intervention.
10. Morning coffee.
No, you don’t pour coffee in your garden in the morning; you wander around your garden while you drink your coffee in the morning! This is the very best way to get to know which of your plants could use a drink (or a snip, or dividing, or some insects removed). Granny would approve!
