Module 12: Watering The Vegetable Plants

Giving required water to the vegetables is one of the most important activities if you want a good growth and harvest.

Which Water To Use?

The best form of water you can use for growing vegetables is rainwater. So, if you can store rainwater that is the ideal situation.

But most of us can’t do that and we only have access to tap water that can contain chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride. These are harmful to plants over time.

So, to use tap water, keep it in an open container for 24 hours before using it on the plants. The chemicals will dissipate and make it suitable to use.

What Time To Water The Plant?

The best time to water vegetable and herb plants is in the morning before sunrise. This gives the plants sufficient time to absorb moisture and the excess will evaporate.

Don’t water the plants during the day because the sunlight will heat the moisture on the foliage causing it to burn.

You can water during the night if that’s the only time you have available. But wipe off the excess moisture from the foliage. Because it will remain on the plants and can cause fungal issues.

How To Know When To Water

You should not water the vegetable plants every day. You need to check if the potting soil needs water. If you keep watering without knowing this, the potting soil will always remain soggy and can lead to fungal diseases like root rot.

Different plants will have different watering needs. Some prefer the soil to get completely dry, some are hardy and prefer drought conditions. So check the watering needs depending on the plant you’re growing. I’ve created a list with the plant information you can check below.

Container Plant Information List

I use the finger test to find out when is the right time to water the potting soil. Check on the potting soil every morning. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the potting soil.

If the finger comes out completely dry without soil sticking to it, that’s an indication you need to water the potting soil.

How To Water The Potting Soil

Keep it simple and use a watering can to water the potting soil. Water at the base of the plant and don’t splash on the foliage. If there is potting soil and water on the foliage, it increases the chances of pests and diseases.

Keep watering the potting soil until you see the water running out from the drainage holes. That’s a sign that you have done thorough watering that reaches the entire potting soil and plant roots.

Action Steps

• Decide whether you can use rainwater or tap water for watering.
• If you are using tap water, keep it for 24 hours so chemicals dissipate.
• If possible, water in the morning before sunrise.
• Use the finger test to check if the potting soil is dry.
• Use a watering can to give the potting soil thorough watering.