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thumphorticulture · 1 year

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Irrigation

Large plants use more water than small plants,but there are many more variables than size that dictate a plant's water consumption.The age of the plant,container size,soil texture,temperature,humidity,and ventilation is essential to promote a free flow of fluids,transpiration,and rapid growth.The healthier a plant,the faster it grows and the more water it needs.

Small plants with small root systems in small containers must be watered often.Water frequently-as soon as the soil surface dries out.If exposed to wind,the small plants will dry out very quickly.

Irrigation soil and soilless mixes when they are dry one-half inch below the surface.As long as the drainage is good,it is difficult to overwater fast-growing plants.Four-week-old cuttings flowering in two- to three-gallon(7.5 to 11 L) containers need to be irrigated once or twice daily.In fact,most gardeners prefer smaller containers because they are easier to control.

Irrigation larger plants in the vegetative and flowering stages when soil is dry one-half inch below the surface.Flowering annuals use high levels of water to carry on rapid floral formation.Withholding water stunts flower formation.

Plants that are exposed to wind dry out much faster.Outdoor,terrace,and patio plants will use up to three or four times more water on a hot,windy day.Keeping up with the watering is difficult and time-consuming.Use an automated watering system or break the wind to lessen its impact on the plants.Mulch will also lessen the evaporation from the soil.

Use plenty of water,and allow up to ten percent runoff during each watering.The runoff will prevent the fertilizer from building up in the soil.Water early in the day so excess water will evaporate from the soil surface and the leaves.Leaving the foliage and the soil wet overnight invites a fungal attack.

Moisture meters take most of the guesswork out of irrigation.They can be purchased for less than $30 and are well worth the money.These meters measure exactly how much water soil contains at any level or point.Often soil will not hold water evenly,and it develops dry pockets.Checking the moisture with a finger provides an educated guess but disturbs the root system.A moisture meter will give an exact moisture reading without disturbing the roots.

Cultivate the soil surface to allow the water to penetrate evenly and guard against dry soil pockest.It also keeps the water from running downn the crack between the inside of the pot and the soil and out the drain holes.Gently break up and cultivate the top half-inch of soil with your fingers or a salad fork.Be careful not to disturb tiny surface roots.

After you develop some skill at knowing when the plants need water,you can check to see how heavy they are simply by tipping them.Once you get the hang of it,all you will have to do is tips each container.

It is easier to keep pots in straight lines when growing and watering,and it is much easier to keep track of watered pots when they are in a straight line.

#hydroponics #hydroponic farming #irrigation

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