Watering Wisely
Water is precious, and how you use it makes a real difference to your plants and your bill. Watering well is less about quantity and more about doing it at the right time, in the right way.
Through a Kiwi summer many areas bring in water restrictions, and gardens in the drier inland and eastern parts of the South Island can go weeks without rain. A few smart habits keep your garden thriving on far less.
Water deeply, not often
The biggest mistake is a light sprinkle every day. That only wets the surface, so roots stay shallow and the plant suffers the moment you skip a day. A good soak less often draws roots down deep where the soil stays moist.
Aim to water thoroughly two or three times a week rather than a little daily. Get the water down to the roots and let the top of the soil dry between waterings. Deep roots make for tough, drought-hardy plants.
Timing and technique
Water early in the morning where you can. The soil takes it up before the heat of the day, and far less is lost to evaporation than watering at midday. Evening works too, though damp leaves overnight can encourage disease in the humid north.
Water the soil, not the leaves. Direct the water to the base of each plant where the roots are. A watering can, a hose at the roots, or a drip line is far more efficient than a sprinkler throwing water into the wind and onto paths.
- Water early morning to cut evaporation losses
- Aim water at the roots, not over the leaves
- Soak deeply two or three times a week, not a daily sprinkle
- Check your local council restrictions over summer
Holding on to moisture
The best watering is the watering you do not have to do. A good mulch of pea straw over the soil dramatically cuts evaporation and keeps roots cool, so you water far less often. It is one of the most useful things you can do in a dry summer.
Wind dries a garden out as fast as sun, a real issue on exposed and coastal sites. A windbreak or shelter belt slows the drying wind and saves a surprising amount of water. Building compost into the soil also helps it hold moisture for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to water?
Early morning is ideal. The soil takes the water up before the day heats up, and you lose far less to evaporation than watering at midday. Aim the water at the roots rather than over the leaves.
How often should I water my vegetable garden?
A deep soak two or three times a week beats a daily light sprinkle. Deep, less frequent watering draws roots down and makes plants far more drought-hardy. Hot, windy or sandy conditions may need a bit more.
How can I use less water in the garden?
Mulch heavily with pea straw to cut evaporation, water at the roots in the early morning, shelter the garden from drying wind, and build compost into the soil so it holds moisture for longer.