like all of us adapt to changing climateGardeners have modified what they grow and how and when they water their crops. We are learning more about native and drought-resistant cropsinstallation of irrigation systems and transition to xeriscaping.
While some gardeners continue to use the trusty, old-fashioned hose and spray gunMany now combine different irrigation systems to meet the needs of their garden. Watering styles can change as we spend more or less time in our gardens.
Let us first compare the two different irrigation styles and conclude which one is better for irrigation.
Garden Oya™ Watering Can
We have three great sizes to choose from to ensure you have the right coverage for your plants’ needs. From small to large, each comes with a silicone lid that keeps water in and bugs or dirt out. Terracotta allows just the right amount of water to penetrate; Keep your Garden Oya™ filled and reclaim some of your time just enjoying the garden instead of watering it!
What is shallow irrigation?
Shallow watering is when water deeply but infrequentlyallowing only the first few inches of the surface to receive moisture. Gardeners can turn on their irrigation system for 20 minutes a day. This method requires much more attention to the garden and Encourages roots to stay close to the soil surface.but it can increase the risk of stress.
Shallow irrigation methods include:
- Watering from above with a wobbler or oscillating sprinkler
- Hose and spray gun
- Watering can
From superficial methods risk of evaporation from the soil surfaceapply straw mulch around crops such as fruit trees, corn, lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes to help the soil retain moisture. As an added benefit, the mulch will help suppress weeds and add fertility to the soil as it decomposes.
Newly planted lawns, wildflower fields and areas recently planted with ground cover can benefit from this type of irrigation. While not the most efficient, it is easy to set up an overhead irrigation system and be confident that most of your seeds will receive water. I recently used this method on the property of our new home after planting our alternative grass and wildflower garden. During hot summer days, I would give them a quick drink of water between rain showers. Once the seeds germinated, I allowed them to survive solely on rain.
Aerial and surface irrigation has a purpose for people with potted plants and herbs for patio outside. These crops may only need a drink of healthy water to sustain them, not deep water.
What is deep irrigation?
Deep watering is when water deeply less frequently but for long periods. Plants become more resilient and tolerant to environmental stresses, leading to healthier and more abundant lives. Less moisture evaporates from the soil surface.so it is used and preserved more efficiently.
More in-depth methods include:
I deeply water my high tunnel three times a week with a drip irrigation system for 60 to 80 minutes. The water spots between the emitters merge and the the soil surface is completely saturated. When I put my hand in the dirt, it is wet as far as I can reach. Water spots can remain visible for several days, so I know the plants received decent water.
An ancient irrigation technique that is making a comeback is Garden Cord™. Fill the porous clay pot with water, then Bury it at root level in your raised bed or garden soil.. Plant roots stretch downward to seek moisture.They stick to the pot and take what they need. They prevent excess water and are easy to install. Research shows This old and inexpensive method is ten times more efficient than drip irrigation.
The main thing to remember when using a pot is check it frequently for decent humidity levelsespecially before leaving town. The “out of sight, out of mind” highlight of this option can be a disadvantage if you tend to forget to water your garden in the first place. Plus, pots take up quite a bit of space, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
Main characteristics of each method
| Feature | deep watering | Shallow irrigation |
| drip irrigation | ✔️ | |
| It can be set with a timer. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Promotes deep roots. | ✔️ | |
| Plants can search for nutrients far below the soil surface. | ✔️ | |
| Plants become more drought tolerant | ✔️ | |
| Reduces the risk of fungal diseases. | ✔️ | |
| More water conservation | ✔️ | |
| Can make gardens more fire resistant | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Best for shallow rooted plants | ✔️ | |
| Requires more attention and garden planning. | ✔️ |
Shallow watering keeps water on the surface.letting the plant know that it will always have a supply of moisture, which leaves them vulnerable and unprepared to cope well with drought conditions.
Alternatively, deep watering forces plant roots to reach eight inches or more in search of moisture, gaining volume and becoming more resistant. Deeper moisture promotes a deeper, more robust root system, anchoring plants and setting them up for success during drought conditions.
Although you can use the same system to water using both methods, one is brief and more oftenwhile the other occurs less frequently but lasts much longer. Keep in mind that both can protect the land when ideal wildfire conditions arise.
Which is best for irrigation?
Water deeply with drip irrigation It is the most common way to water for good reason: It is the best technique. We often discuss the importance of a robust root system that anchors plants and helps them locate necessary nutrients. Deep watering is a way to promote these behaviors in plants, preparing them for a healthy and abundant season.
Let me give you the example of deep watered tomatoes, a popular crop that grows in all areas. When plants are newly transplanted, deep soaking reduces transplant shock, Promotes healthy root development.and helps them acclimate to their new space. As plants mature and produce flowers and fruit, deep watering every other day for an hour or more encourages those strong roots to reach even deeper, locking large plants in place, seeking out nutrients and preparing them for a hot summer.
when we dressing with compost and granular fertilizerEarthworms are encouraged to rise to the surface in search of food, aerating and mixing the soil along the way. Keeping moisture away from the foliage and soil surface reduces the risk of fungal diseases. You probably thought we were just talking about watering methods today, but everything we do in the garden is part of a larger circle of actions and reactions!
Frequently asked questions
Corn and beans have shallow roots. and may benefit from frequent surface watering. Mulch will help keep water in place and prevent evaporation. Dessert loving cacti It can survive with very little soil moisture. Fruit trees like blueberries and raspberries may appear shallow-rooted when newly planted. Even so, their roots can extend and descend several meters as they mature, so deep watering is the advisable method to keep them healthy and happy.
How long to run the irrigation? It depends on what you are growing, the type of soil and the current forecast.. Like humans, plants need more water when temperatures are high and the sun is hot. If you’re thirsty, they probably are too! If you are new to deep watering, experiment with letting the water run for 30 to 40 minutesthen perform the finger test to determine how moist the soil is. If your fingers come out of the soil dry after reaching two inches, let the water run longer and, if it seems soaked, water for a shorter time in the next session.
For advice: Always set an alarm so you don’t forget to turn off the water. You might think you’ll remember it’s on, but learn from my mistakes.
How you water is a personal preference, and while any size garden can use these methods, it may be more practical water over head using a watering can or spray gun. Manual watering requires more attention and more frequent sessions.
Focus on native and perennial plants known to be drought tolerant and resistant to extreme sun and heat damage. Look for plants that thrive in your USDA growing zone.
