Plants are 90% water. To live, they draw water from the soil through their roots and this water brings the necessary elements for growth. Like us, plants lose water through transpiration. A continuous supply of water is therefore essential to the life of plants.
Water stress (lack of water) has a direct impact on the growth of the plant, it also causes wilting and makes the plant more susceptible to diseases.
At the same time, water is a precious resource that we must save, which is possible by adopting good watering habits.
1) Prefer rainwater
Rainwater has the advantage of being economical but not only that. It is also at room temperature and does not contain chlorine unlike tap water.
If you water with tap water, remember to let it sit for a few hours in your watering can to warm up and let the chlorine evaporate.
For the sake of the planet, your plants and your wallet, think about collecting rainwater in cans or any other system adapted to your garden.
2) Water in the morning or evening
Never water in the middle of the day when it is sunny. Indeed, the heat will promote evaporation (by the soil) and transpiration (by the plants) and your water will be wasted. The combination of water and heat also risks burning your plants.
Water preferably in the morning in mid-season when the nights are still cool. If you water in the evening, any wet foliage will not have time to dry, which will encourage the appearance of diseases (fungi, etc.).
Watering in the evening is to be favored in summer when it is hot, it allows to cool the plant, to limit transpiration and losses by evaporation. The plant will also be able to take advantage of the night to hydrate itself.
3) Remove the head of your watering can
It is absolutely necessary to avoid wetting the leaves of disease-sensitive plants like curcubitaceae and tomatoes.
Therefore, you should not water in rain but rather water at the feet of the plants by using the neck of the watering can (remove the apple).
However, some vegetables like to be watered in the rain, such as cabbages and salads. The same goes for your seedlings; watering them from the neck of the watering can could break them.
4) Follow the weather
Rain is the natural watering method par excellence. But it doesn't always rain enough...
Don't water if rain is forecast for tonight, and on the contrary, water enough if your soil is already dry and the forecast is for lots of sun tomorrow.
5) Check your soil moisture
You should only water if the soil is deeply dry, not just on the surface. You can stick a stake about 30 cm into the ground and if it comes out without soil stuck to it, your soil is dry.
Another simpler and more technological solution is to use PinParco. It is a small probe to be planted in your soil that will inform you in real time of its moisture status. The data will then be displayed on your smartphone and thanks to the weather forecast, the application will also tell you the ideal time to water.
6) Analyze your soil
The type of soil you have has a direct impact on the way you will have to water. Light sandy soils need to be watered frequently and in small quantities because they do not retain water well and dry out quickly. Heavy clay soils retain moisture better and should be watered less often and in larger quantities. Knowing your soil through a soil analysis is therefore important on this point but also to plant the right plant in the right place.
7) Study your plants
Each plant is different and has its own water needs. You must at least know the main families to know if the plant you are watering needs more or less water.
Cucurbits (zucchini, cucumbers, ...), salads, tomatoes and cabbages are for example demanding in water whereas onions, potatoes and asparagus can be watered sparingly.
Think of "designing" your garden to group plants according to their water consumption and thus facilitate your watering task.
8) Water less often but more
Generally speaking, it is better to water less often but in greater quantities. Watering every day is excessive, promotes disease and depletes the soil.
By watering less often, you will force your plants to develop deep roots, they will depend less on surface watering and will be more resistant to drought.
Seedlings, on the other hand, are very sensitive and should be watered regularly in small amounts to keep the soil moist.
9) Hoe
One hoeing is worth two waterings! Avoid letting a hard crust form on the surface of the soil under your plants, water will penetrate less easily and evaporate more quickly. So remember to loosen the soil around the plant by hoeing.
10) Mulch
Mulching prevents the soil temperature from rising and limits evaporation. Your plants will thus be able to better resist to drought.
For your mulch, you can for example use straw, RCW, flax or hemp chaff. Grass clippings that you dry first are also suitable but they decompose quickly and can create a good playground for slugs.
Mulching will also help control weeds that compete with your plants.
