The Midwest's weather cycle has gotten hotter and drier in recent years. One change we can make in response to the current cycle is in the way we water our plants. Let's look at some ideas to conserve water and improve your vegetable harvest.
For new or existing gardens:
• Plant things you need or can donate. Don't waste food by watering your plants and not using the harvest.
• Mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. If you use mulch, wait until the soil warms in the spring before applying it.
• If you use a hose, make sure there is a tap nearby or plan how you will transport the water to your garden. This decision will determine how many plants you can water.
• The time of day you water is important. During the hot summer months, many people water their plants in the early morning or early evening.
• Don't spray plants with a hose. Plants need to be kept dry at night to prevent disease. Plus, water evaporates faster in the hot summer sun, and even faster on windy days. Using a drip hose is more efficient. Instead of spraying water on the plants, the water drips slowly into the soil, getting it where it's needed – at the plant's roots.
Another idea to consider when planting vegetables is block planting vs. row planting. If you are planting something like beans, plant them in a small block/square pattern instead of the usual rows. You will be watering a small area inside the block. The plants will shade each other, which helps to suppress weed growth. Another planting option is raised beds. You can use mulch for raised beds and even use a drip hose to conserve water.
Drip Hose Details:
• Drip irrigation is a great way to replenish water. Drip hoses can be purchased at hardware stores, garden centers, or you can buy a hose and drill holes to make your own drip hose.
• As a rule of thumb, plants need one inch of water per week. Install a rain gauge and record the amount of rain on your phone or a paper calendar. Water only if the minimum amount of rain has not fallen.
• Lay the hose as soon as possible. Fit the plants into the holes in the hose, or if you are making a hose, cut holes to fit the plants.
• Allow the soil to warm and plants to germinate before adding mulch, and place the mulch over a drip hose to conserve water.
• Measure your water to avoid wasting it. Place a butter dish or other inconspicuous container under one of the drip hose hole areas and measure how long it takes for one inch of water to fill the container. Record the time it takes for one inch of water to fill the container to determine how long you should run your faucet.
• When you turn on the tap, set a timer on your phone or another timer to schedule the watering time so you don’t keep the water running longer than necessary.
• Water is precious and it is everyone's responsibility to use it wisely and only use what we need.
For more information on horticulture, visit extension.illinois.edu/plants and watch videos on other horticulture topics on the University of Illinois Extension Horticulture YouTube channel.
• Darla Emmert serves Lee County as a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener.
Have a question for a Master Gardener? Residents can contact Kendall County Master Gardener volunteers Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by calling 630-553-5823, stopping by 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville, or emailing uiemg-kendall@illinois.edu. For helpful tips on what to include in your email, visit go.illinois.edu/HelpDeskMGdkk.
