BY TINA GUSTAFSON | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ERIN HAMBRICK
I am often asked, “How much should I be watering my plants?” The answer is nuanced, as you may have guessed. Not sure your plant is getting the right amount of water? Check your soil. If you stick your finger directly into the soil and it’s dry up to your first knuckle, or about an inch down, it’s time to water. Also, remember the smaller the growing space, the quicker the soil will dry out. A small pot will need more water than an in-ground area.
Not sure your plant is getting the right amount of water? Check your soil. If you stick your finger directly into the soil and it’s dry up to your first knuckle, or about an inch down, it’s time to water. Also, remember the smaller the growing space, the quicker the soil will dry out. A small pot will need more water than an in-ground area.
Summer crops like tomatoes, squash, and corn need a lot of sunlight, which means they also need about two inches of water per week. Leafy greens and herbs require less sun and so tend to need less water—roughly one inch per week. Another factor to consider is what measures you’re taking to protect your soil.
To prevent evaporation and erosion and conserve water, you can use a simple mulch like pine needles, leaves, or pine shavings. You can also plant a cover crop like hairy vetch or a low-growing native plant like yarrow. Amending the soil also reduces the watering frequency.
Consistently adding high-quality compost helps soil retain moisture and nutrients while feeding the microbiome. Fall is an excellent time of year to add compost. So is anytime you switch between crops. If you’re growing perennials, make sure to add one to three inches of compost in the fall or spring.
Finally, it’s better to water less often, but for longer periods of time. Doing so encourages your plants to build robust root systems that reach deep into the soil for water, which creates strong plants. Installing a drip irrigation system on a timer is the most efficient. This provides the plants’ root zone with a slow, steady stream of water, and when combined with mulch, there’s an even smaller chance of evaporation. Companies like DripWorks sell irrigation kits that are relatively simple to install yourself.
If you’re already contemplating ways to use less water next season, consider planting more drought-tolerant vegetables. Asparagus, rhubarb, sorrel, tepary beans, okra, and peas all grow well in the Central Highlands, as do perennial herbs like oregano, lemon balm, rosemary, mint, thyme, and chives.
Of course, if you’re growing native plants, your watering frequency will be very minimal once the plants are established. Look for low-water native plants like blanketflower, Rocky Mountain penstemon, or Palmer’s penstemon, upright prairie coneflower, and winecups, especially if you’re planting in an area with six-plus hours of direct sunlight.
Don’t let the nuances of our high desert environment discourage you from the satisfaction of growing your own food and supplying your own fresh flower bouquets, especially when there are simple steps you can take to enjoy an abundant garden.
