Moisture and Irrigation for Vegetable Gardens

The planning is complete. You have prepared your garden by tilling and fertilizing the soil. The seedlings and seeds have been gathered. Now it's time to plant and take care of a lively garden. You must be aware of the natural enemies to your outdoor garden. First and foremost are weeds. Your vegetables will be weak and flimsy if weeds are allowed to crowd the root space. Weeds will steal vital nutrients from the soil that should be reserved for your vegetables. They will spread disease because of their closeness to your other plants. Aesthetically a weed free garden is simply prettier.

Moisture and Irrigation for Vegetable Gardens

Moisture and Irrigation for Vegetable Gardens

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Moisture and Irrigation for Vegetable Gardens

Moisture and Irrigation for Vegetable Gardens

Some days the weeds will seem to prevail, but don't give up the battle. That harmless looking dandelion could in all likelihood be hiding nasty critters also. Quickly strike to remove those unwanted pest-infested plants, to easily keep your garden weed-free. If you wait for later they may become very stubborn to remove. Another bad trait to remember are mature weeds produce seeds. Your carefully prepared garden plot will be a perfect growing medium for weeds. Some common weeds to keep an eye on include bindweed, purslane, plantain, ragweed, and creeping charley.

Manage with Mulch

After you have planted your vegetable seedlings and seeds give your garden a helping hand with mulch. Putting mulch around all your plants will help to keep the weeds away. Other benefits of mulch for your garden are disease reduction, well aerated soil, deters soil erosion, extends the growing season by keeping the ground warmer longer, and reduces the need for watering. As organic mulch decomposes it sends nutrients into the soil. Organic mulch can be lawn clippings, compost, wood chips, and the one most people know of straw.

You can either replace the mulch completely or use a combination of mulch and landscape fabric. Don't use landscape fabric in areas that are very hot, or with cool temperature vegetables.

Moisture Levels

Keeping the proper moisture content in the soil is very important to growing a healthy vibrant vegetable garden. Mother Nature's rain and ground level watering are the two watering methods of choice. But, some people have no idea how to effectively lay out a garden irrigation system. Those people should simply find a sprinkler or hose with a nozzle that has a sprinkler setting. Then when they water they will not damage the plants with a harsh stream of water. Remember to water lightly and gently to avoid washing the seeds out or drown the roots unintentionally. Ensure that you use sufficient water to keep the soil loose but not boggy.

Remember that soil moisture is effected by more than just heat. Water will evaporate from the soil more quickly in dry climate or when the humidity is low. When you check your plants, if you find them wilting in the heat before 10 a.m. it's a good thing to give a good watering. If it's after 10 then you will have to wait till the sun goes down to avoid burning the leaves.

Support Systems

Cucumbers, beans, and squash are thee of your taller vegetables. They need to be supported so they do not break or bow over and become damaged. Trellises, stakes, and cages are three support systems to choose from.

Bunny Love

You are going to need to be a bit imaginative to safely ward off the small animals that will be attracted to your vegetables. Some animals shy away when they smell humans so it is a good idea to mix human hAir in the garden. Another plan is to plant your garden close to the house so the animals will be less tempted to come steal your hard work. One last idea is to plant a small garden in an area of your yard that isn't used much and you just let the critters have it. While you could install fences and netting often times it is just easier to live WITH our critter friends.

Moisture and Irrigation for Vegetable Gardens