Different Ways to Water Your Vegetable Garden

By Steve Gunther

There is more than one way to water your garden. Here are some different ways to water your precious veggies and the pros and cons that come with them.

1. Garden hose. This method is probably the most commonly used watering method. You are able to water large amounts of vegetables however you will likely waste a great deal of water in the process. If you use this method then try using a handle that has a low pressure setting and plenty of hose, this will allow you to walk around to each individual plant and direct the flow of water right at the base without displacing it or harming it with too much pressure.

2. Soaker hose. This is a hose with thousands of tiny perforations that you leave along the rows in your garden. It will allow water to slowly seep into the soil without actually using that much water. These work great for plants that require watering every day and constantly damp soil. Try using soaker hoses with a timer to get maximum performance. Just make sure to be careful when hoeing or tilling between rows as these hoses are meant to stay in one place (that being said they are easy to use).

3. Watering Can. This method is great because you strictly control how much water you are using and you can direct a gentle stream of water to the base of each plant. By not getting water on the leaves you will help prevent leaf rot (especially with viney plants). This is however, a very time consuming way to water, especially if you have a garden of any size.

4. Sprinkler. Using a sprinkler allows you to water large areas of your garden with minimal effort by you. This method however tends to waste large amounts of water and can lead to leaf rot. If you use a sprinkler then it is wise to use a timer.

Whatever method you choose to use, make sure of the following: 
-Use the least amount of water that you have to. No sense running your water bill up and wasting water. 
-Try to keep water off the leaves as much as possible (especially in the evening ) when watering as water held on the leaves too long can lead to leaf rot. 
-Try to water in the early morning or the evening before the sun's rays steal the water before the plant roots can take it in. 
-If possible, it's always a good idea to save rain water in cisterns or large containers. My neighbor does this very effectively and waters his entire (large) garden from the water he collects from rain (he also only waters with a watering can). At least once every summer (in PA) we will have a dry spell and the local government will put limitations on watering gardens.