GYO: Week 9 - When to Water
It's an inert fact that plants need water in order to survive, and in a wet season like this one, there's a strong chance that Mother Nature has taken care of this job for you. But is it possible for you to conserve water for the dry summer months? And how can you supplement the rainfall?
Gardening guru Phil Dudman says that the best way to go about this is to install a water tank: becoming self-sufficient reduces your reliance on town water and makes harvesting rain from your roof a practical exercise, especially when it gets dry. Of course, many local governments do offer rebates for water tanks, making it a reasonable and financially viable investment.
Knowing when and how to water is also vital. According to Phil, the best time to water is early in the morning, allowing the moisture to soak into the soil before it evaporates in the midday sun. Holding the hose close to the ground ensures fertility and encourages a deep-root system. Mulching is also a simple way to save water, reducing evaporation by 70%.
Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water. These provide a regular gentle flow directly to the root-zone of your plants. According to Phil, drip irrigation systems are far from difficult to install, but professional advice is always handy for a flunky foliage fanatic.
Edible plants do require the most attention in the garden, needing constant moisture in order to grow quickly and develop flavour and texture. Fruit trees need regular moisture while the fruit it forming: otherwise, they will lack juice and flavour.