Watering can be a surprisingly daunting task for beginner gardeners.
I am still learning myself, but the tips below are some things I have done to have successful crops my first few years of gardening.
Basically, you want to water slowly.
This means, if your watering can is anything like mine, you have to tip so water is just coming out, let water flow for 1 Mississippi, then tip back, and wait 5 Mississippi. Repeat this a few times, it can be right after the 5 mississppi is up. Or what I do, is I walk around twice letting the water drip along the plants, and then I come back for a second walk right after. I let my watering can water for a bit longer on the plants that like water (see below):
In the summertime, for plants that like water, and are potted, repeat this 2-3 times a day.
In the summertime, for plants that don't like too much water, and are potted, repeat this 1-2 every four days.
Water seedlings a lot in the spring. You can even soak many seeds to get them started. Water less often in the fall, about once a week, and hardly ever in the winter, maybe once a month, very little.
If it rains medium to heavy, you might skip watering that day. And when you first plant, water more often to help the plant be established (usually everyday or every other day).
Edible Plants that like water:
Basil,
Blueberries,
Blackberries,
Broccoli,
Cabbage,
Cucumbers,
Cherry Trees,
Gojiberry,
Mint,
Peach Trees,
Radishes,
Spinach
Squash,
Tomatoes,
and Watermelon.
Edible Plants that like less water:
Apple Trees,
Avocado (but likes misting like many other tropical plants),
Lavendar,
Lemon,
Lime trees,
Marigolds,
Onion,
Peppers,
Roses,
and Rosemary.
If your leaves are squishy, they may have been watered too much. Give them an extra day or two to dry out a bit.
If your leaves are curved upwards, they are waiting for more water. Give them an extra drink, about 3 mississippis.
I hope you enjoyed this in depth look at watering your edible plants. When in doubt, use the finger test! Stick your finger in the soil, if it is dry two inches down, it is time for a watering.
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