Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association

Smarter Watering: less often, but more water
(i.e. NOT a little and often!)
Watering an allotment is hard work and boring, and can also be very expensive; we cannot, as an Association, afford to pay another bill like that for 2018. So, ideally, we need to reduce the time we spend watering and ensure that every drop of water used, counts!
To do this we need to consider:
 What is the best watering method?
 What do we need to water and what can be left?
 How much do we need to use?
 When should we water?
 How else can we reduce the need to water?

The basic principle is that water is needed by the roots, ideally below the roots to encourage root growth.
 Aim at the soil near the base of the stem. If the soil is baked hard, break it up a bit before watering so that water can penetrate the soil more easily.
 Avoid general or overall watering that puts water on leaves (encouraging disease) and empty soil, where it is wasted.
 For larger crops (broccoli, cabbages etc) consider sinking an upside-down plastic bottle with the bottom cut off, at an angle into the soil next to the plant, so that water can be poured into the opening and it will go directly where it’s wanted.
 Alternatively, when planting larger crops like corn, courgettes, tomatoes, plant them in a ‘dip’ with a ridge around the edge (like a volcano ‘crater’). This will encourage water to run towards the roots.
 Consider developing a drip or seep system to deliver the water. These can be expensive but Barry (plot 81) has an effective system that he has made quite cheaply.
 Use a watering can or hose without a rose as a rose will put water where you don’t want it (leaves and empty soil).
 If you use a hose, ensure it can be turned off at the watering end (a Hozelock device or similar) so that water isn’t wasted as you move from bed to bed.
 A large watering can saves time walking back and forwards to the water source (provided it’s not too heavy when full)
 Rainwater is better; it’s free! Ensure you have plenty of water storage on your plot and use buildings to collect water via guttering. The Association can provide advice on how to do this (contact Dave).

Some recommendations
Seedlings – small root systems so need regular watering – about 3 times a week
Young peas, beans – very little as watering just encourages leaf growth
Flowering peas, beans, potatoes – lots as the fruit is setting and swelling
Carrots, parsnips – very little to encourage long roots
Squash, tomatoes, courgettes – twice a week (though might need more if they are in pots)
Cabbage, lettuce, spinach – frequent watering – if they wilt, they need a drink!
Leeks, sprouts, radishes, beetroot, purple sprouting broccoli, onions, Spring greens, perpetual spinach – drought resistant so little watering needed.
Other ‘established’ veg – once a week
A basic routine could be established that involved watering established vegetables once a week, squash and tomatoes twice a week, and seedlings and container plants 3 times a week.

How much water?
 Soil with an average crop of plants loses about 4 and a half gallons (approx. 20 litres) of water per square yard (approx. 1 square metre) per week in the summer and 2 gallons (approx. 9 litres) per week in the spring and autumn.
 Never apply small amounts of water (less than 1 gallon per sq yard or 4.5 litres per sq metre)
Water thoroughly once you have decided to water. With overall watering apply 2-4 gallons per square yard (9 to 18 litres per square metre), using the higher amount in mid-summer.
With point watering use 1-4 gallons (4.5 to 18 litres) per plant depending on its size.

When should we water?
 Never in full sun
 First thing in the morning or in the evening. Morning is recommended to avoid encouraging slugs and snails, and avoid leaving damp leaves overnight that might get disease.
 To check whether you need to water, dig down 3-4 in. below the surface. If it is dry, then water. As a general rule watering will be required about every 7 days during a period of drought.

How else can we reduce the need to water?
 Keep plots weed-free. They compete for water with the plants we want, so keep them away.
 Add organic matter, such as compost, to soil as this retains water.
 Add a 2 inch/5cm layer of mulch to the soil around plants. This can be compost, non-degradable plastic, other material. This will keep water from evaporating and will also block weeds.
 Add water-retaining granules to pots

And whatever else you do…
Turn off the tap and disconnect the hose!

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