Garden Basics Part 3: Water
There’s a reason for the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” April usually boasts the highest rainfall of the year, providing damp, nurturing soil that’s perfect for plant development and root system growth. It’s no surprise that May follows with its burst of color, as all those plants that were growing under rain-moistened soil now pop their blooming heads above the surface. When heavy rains follow into May, gardens can sometimes suffer as badly from too much water as too little. Luckily, Frame It All products can help in either case. Water is an essential for your garden, but the key here is balance.
Too much of a good thing?
When showers turn to floods, raised bed gardens hold in soil in and protect it from erosion, and because they are elevated, they ensure your garden will not get washed away in heavy rains. Raised bed gardens also offer excellent drainage, helping the soil moisten with rain, then dry before it has a chance to grow mold, compact the soil, or rot the roots. Just make sure to save some of that precious water in a rain barrel—you’ll be glad you did! Here are some signs that your garden is being overwatered.
Thirsty soil?
If you’re having a dry spell, Frame It All’s irrigation systems will get you through. An irrigation system’s setup ensures optimum growing conditions for your plants. Water gets under the soil surface, nourishing the roots instead of splashing all over the leaves. They’re also a great way to conserve water—read more tips on water conservation here. It’s a low-cost investment in sustainable living, allowing you to water your garden more efficiently, saving natural resources and money. Even adding a soaker hose (as opposed to a regular hose) can be a great, simple way to maintain a steady flow of water without feeling like it’s all going down the drain, along with your utilities budget.
How much is enough?
There’s no mathematical formula that tells you how many inches or gallons of water you’ll need for your garden, but you can tell your garden is getting the right amount of water if the following things are true:
- Soil is moist, damp—not dry and cracked, nor wet and muddy
- Plants’ leaves are lush and green
- Stalks are growing straight and strong
We hope you have enjoyed the final installment of our series on the basics of gardening, covering soil, sun, and water. It’s amazing how these three simple things come together to create a productive, successful garden!
