GARDEN MUSINGS
Getting moisture right to the roots is crucial
During the long summer days (that we hope are still on their way) our plants are working hard and need loads of wateron average those in the ground need about 2-3cm (1in) of rain a week. Of course there are wet years and dry years, but even in wet years there can be longish dry periods so it’s better to water too soon for it never to be needed than to let swelling crops suffer, but how do you know?
A simple rain gauge is a tin can (or similar straight-sided open-topped container) stood in the open. Although some water may evaporate, this will still indicate if there’s been any significant rain, or just drizzle. Better, having several such gauges will give an average and then you can be sure to water soon enough.
Generally it’s also far better to water plant roots rather than spraying all over them, and for most of our garden a good soaking once or twice a week is of greater value than a wee daily ‘splash’. For really thirsty crops such as pumpkins, squashes, courgettes/ zucchini, runner beans and tomatoes, give each a ‘funnel’ using an upside down bottomless plastic bottle. Such a funnel sunk in just enough to stand upright beside each plant means you can deliver a lot of water speedily, and without wasting most of it wetting the soil/compost surface all round to rapidly evaporate away.
Water containers well
Most succulent crunchy salads, pak choi, Florence fennel, leeks, celery and celeriac really want conditions that are almost boggy, so another way of watering heavily is via a shallow trench running between plants.
Much more crucially than plants in the ground, container-grown crops will need more attention. Even when it’s been raining, that’s no guarantee their thirst will have been quenched
