It seems so simple, plants need water to live. But it’s a little more than that… I found the best way while working in my dad’s wholesale nursery when I was about 19. I spent a good portion of the week during the summer just watering plants, and noticed that the best response (and I have also later found that this works with most all varieties of plants and trees) from the plants came if I waited to water them until I noticed that they were just barely starting to wilt, and then watering them just enough and never flooding them. This is not to say you should let them get too dry either as many people do, but if you pay attention you will see a subtle change in the appearance of the leaves when it’s time to water. The leaves will appear a tiny bit wilted, they will just barely lose “turgidity” as the cells within the leaf lose their pressure from dehydration. It will take longer for drought tolerant plants to get to this point than a houseplant for example, but the lesson is true for most plants and trees. You will notice a tiny bit of “sadness” (as they say in Spanish to mean this tiny bit of wilt). Obviously the soil might be a bit dry, too. It is okay to allow the soil dry out a little (it should never get completely dry) contrary to some people’s belief. It should be so that you can barely feel the moisture in it (the soil will pull a little bit of moisture from your fingers and you will notice them feeling drier after a few seconds), but never soaking wet. Think of the soil as a sponge and while watering try to keep that sponge moist but never saturated, then allow the sponge to dry to just to the point of it losing its flexibility before watering again. When you wait for the soil to dry like this you help push the minerals or nutrients through it just a little each time you water. With this, overwatering will push the minerals right through the root zone quickly too quickly. The soil and the plant’s leaves will tell you when it’s time to water. When watering within this balance you’re helping the plant as the minerals come in contact with the roots and vice-versa, with enough time for the roots to process and uptake them. This keeps a steady flow of minerals running through the soil as well. Also, you will help oxygenate the roots if you let them dry a bit before rehydrating which helps them grow. Finally, watering correctly keeps the soil structure healthy for the millions of microbes and critters living within it, helping them ward off the bad guys while making nurients available to your plant’s roots in a symbiotic relationship. With time you will get in tune with the watering needs of your plants as you notice when to water them by looking at the leaves and checking the soil. Finding this balance will keep them healthy and happy and willing to grow and bloom and thrive for you. Try it! Happy Gardening!
Plantman
There are natural ways to keep your garden looking green and healthy. Maintaining your garden by lightly saturating it daily with water and using your compost soil will dramatically perk up the growth in your plants. The premium time to water your garden is in the early morning, so rise and shine! And for all those who can’t stand reeling in the hose, here is something for you. Check out the No Crank hose reel by going to the link below. The power of water pressure rewinds the hose so you don’t have to! Water is a vital part of a flower’s life, but too much can upset the delicate balance of nutrient production. Too little will have the same effect. The outward signs of too much water are wilting and yellowing of leaves, especially those in the inner areas of the plant. Vegetables need about an inch of water each week.
A good way to test the texture of your soil is with the “Ribbon Test.” After you take a soil sample, roll it back and forth in your hand. If it sticks together easily, it is high in clay, if it simply falls apart, it is probably has a lot of sand. Clay soils don’t drain well and are difficult for the roots to penetrate. Sandy soils drain well but don’t retain nutrients. Adding organic material will help both sandy and clay soils. Not sure how to make compost, well it’s simple. Start with a layer of chopped leaves, grass clippings and kitchen waste like banana peels, eggshells, old lettuce leaves, apple cores, coffee grounds, and whatever else is available. Keep adding materials until you have a six-inch layer, then cover it with three to six inches of soil, manure, or finished compost. Your plants will love this natural food! Did you know the soil can determine the color of the hydrangeas you grow? Check out the link below for some awesome gardening tips.
http://naturalsupply.blogspot.com/2007/05/natural-gardening-tips.html