The summer sun should bring a plethora of fruit and veg to harvest in your vegetable patch. And with it, a need to keep the garden happy and healthy with plenty of water! Watering your vegetable patch should be an enjoyable task rather than a chore, here’s how to do it efficiently to ensure a plentiful crop of tasty produce.
Water thoroughly not frequently!
Rather than watering your vegetables plants with a light sprinkle everyday, water thoroughly, but less frequently to avoid wasting water and to encourage the plant to grow deeper roots. This makes the plant less dependent on constant watering and saves you a chore everyday!
Prioritise your crop
Seed and seedlings are the most needy – water them first and foremost. Plants in containers or in the greenhouse rely on you to water so ensure these are another priority – consider setting up an micro irrigation network for these to keep them constantly watered efficiently.
Blossom end rot
Tomatoes can suffer from blossom end rot, where they have a blackened and unappealing base. The skin might crack and there could even be signs of mould. This is from irregular watering and can affect aubergines and peppers too. This is due to a shortage of water and reduced calcium – so keep an eye on your tomatoes for signs.
Target the roots not the leaves
When watering, don’t cover the leaves in water, direct it instead at the roots underneath. A common problem, with courgettes in particular, is a fungal disease called powdery mildew. Be sure the plants are spaced out with plenty of air and prevent any water logging if there is persistent rain.
Rainwater is best
Where possible, install waterbutts around your garden to collect rainwater as your vegetables will prefer this to treated tap water. Your crop will also benefit from some feed – add a liquid fertiliser to encourage growth with essential nutrients. A concentrate fertiliser diluted into a pressure sprayer can be efficiently dispersed around your garden.
Add an organic mulch
Organic matter or mulch can be placed around your vegetables to retain water and add nutrients, a home made compost of kitchen and garden waste is ideal, or try dried grass clippings or well-rotted manure.
Watering solutions
Growbag Waterer
The Growbag Waterer features a large capacity 15 litre water reservoir, perfect for when you’re on holiday, water is delivered directly to the plants roots through unique capillary watering spikes, prevents drought and minimise water wastage. Ideal for tomatoes, cucumbers and chillies.
Micro Irrigation
Delivering water direct to the roots, can be difficult as the water often sprays onto leaves and foliage. Our Universal drippers allow you to adjust the flow and to target water to exactly where you need it to go. No wastage spraying over the leaves and you can control the amount of water each dripper receives.
