Indoor plant cultivation is a real art. Have you noticed that for some any flower grows and begins to bloom in just a few months, while for another it sits for years without looking up from the ground, gray, boring. The growth and development of indoor plants depend on many factors; soil moisture plays an important role. Today we'll talk about whether it is possible to water the flowers with boiled water, as well as discuss other subtleties and secrets.
In the garden and in the pot
Water for indoor plants must have certain parameters. The fact is that in nature it passes through a number of natural filters. It evaporates and then falls as rain. After that, it is filtered through a layer of sand, warmed up and absorbed by the plant roots. When we talk about a room pot, everything is completely different here. The roots occupy almost completely free space, and the owner periodically pours out a small amount of water, which ensures the dissolution of trace elements contained in the soil.
Ways to water the garden, how to water the beds
Furrow and check irrigation
Watering vegetable plants in a small area of the garden is carried out mainly superficially, with running water. Water is distributed over the entire surface or over part of the soil surface. Surface irrigation can be done by furrows or by checks. In the conditions of an amateur garden, where there is almost no possibility of good leveling of the area, irrigation along furrows or checks is very suitable from the point of view of correct irrigation, uniform distribution of irrigation water, especially on light soils.
Ridge decoration
The combs are designed as follows: with a hoe, a hoe, manually or with a plow, they cut the furrows, the distance between which depends on the vegetable crop that will be planted in this area. Most often it is 60-70 cm. In this case, small earthen ramparts are formed between the furrows - they are called ridges. After that, transverse grooves are also cut with a plow or hoe with a distance of 5-6 m from each other. These transverse furrows will be used for irrigation, ridging. Every second or every second or third ridge is cut from the inside (at both ends) so that water can circulate during irrigation (Fig. 1. A). The ridges are leveled, the furrows are first compacted, then leveled. Thus, they make out the area for better water movement.
The combs are suitable for growing many vegetable crops - tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cabbage, carrots, parsley, others - on heavy soils, especially in rainy spring.
Fig. 1. Organization of combs and checks
Registration of checks
Checks are flat rectangular or square areas enclosed by ridges (earthen ridges). The plot is divided into beds 5-6 m wide, limited by irrigation furrows. Rectangular checks are placed from one irrigation furrow to another with a width of 1.2 to 1.5 m. Square checks are drawn up by dividing each bed into 2 parts with a comb, notching with transverse ridges every 2 m.This gives almost square checks with dimensions of 2.5 x 2 m. Checks are used for growing many vegetable crops - pepper, Kaba onions, leeks, cucumbers, etc., also on light sandy soils (Fig. 1. B).
Watering the garden from a watering can
It is usually recommended to use a watering can when growing seedlings in greenhouses or in open beds. The irrigation rate depends on the weather, the characteristics of the cultivated vegetable crops, soil properties, the condition of seedlings, etc. Practically, to moisten the soil layer in a greenhouse 15 cm thick, on the soil, per 1 sq. m you need to pour out 40-50 liters (4-5 lei) of water. On open ridges, water consumption increases, since the soil layer dries out to a greater depth, the roots of plants are located deeper, which can be determined empirically. If the soil is very dry, you first need to water it lightly from a watering can, after a while, give the required remaining amount of water. Watering rates sometimes require watering multiple times at intervals to allow the soil to absorb moisture. With a one-time application of the irrigation rate, moisture will not have time to be absorbed by the soil, which will lead to stagnation of water on its surface or to loss of moisture as a result of surface runoff. You can water not the entire garden bed, but the root zone of the plants.
Regulation of relative humidity (sprinkling)
Vegetable plants have different requirements for relative humidity. Some of them, for example, cucumbers, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, require a high relative humidity of 80-95%, while others, such as tomatoes, watermelons, melons - a lower 50-60%. However, some combinations of air humidity and temperature create conditions for the appearance of diseases and pests, which requires regulation of these factors. By increasing or decreasing the number of watering the garden with running water, you can regulate the relative humidity. Refreshing sprinkling irrigation of the garden also has a beneficial effect on plants due to the increase in air humidity.
In private gardens, it is impossible to carry out sprinkling as it is done in the fields, but here, using a hose with different tips or by means of an electric pump, irrigation pipes of appropriate length, with nozzles at the ends, you can achieve the effect of sprinkling. By sprinkling irrigation, it is easier to ensure the optimal irrigation rate, as it helps to reduce fluctuations in the water content of the soil or plants. This is of great importance for vegetable crops such as peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, beans, potatoes, root crops, etc., which do not tolerate waterlogged soil. Sprinkling has a particularly good effect for all varieties of cabbage (white cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Savoy cabbage), spinach, lettuce, head lettuce, etc. Sprinkling of vegetable plants should be carried out in calm weather, as the wind falls in large drops on the plants. If it is necessary to carry out sprinkling in the wind, then the stream of water must be oriented in the direction of the wind. The most suitable time for sprinkling is in the afternoon, in the evening, at night. This is especially important when sprinkling peppers or cucumbers, as it prevents burns or disease. After fruit formation, tomatoes can only be sprinkled at night or early in the morning to prevent the fruit from cracking.
Main settings
It is logical to assume that the requirements for water used for watering indoor plants are much more serious. It should be soft and slightly acidic, contain oxygen, macro- and microelements. There is a concept of stiffness, which in everyday life usually means the concentration of magnesium and calcium ions. Of course, it is better to water the plants with salt-free water. It is known that boiling slightly reduces the concentration of harmful substances. Therefore, the question arises as to whether it is possible to water the flowers with boiled water.
Optimal humidity, irrigation rates, quantity and time of watering vegetable crops
For vegetable crops, soil moisture, with some exceptions, is maintained at a level not lower than 70% of the maximum field moisture capacity (FEL), the optimal level as a percentage of FF for vegetable crops is as follows:
Tomatoes:
- early - 80%,
- medium - 70-80%,
- late - 60-80%,
Pepper
- early - 80%,
- late - 80%,
Potatoes
- before tuber formation - 70%,
- during tuber formation - 80%,
White cabbage - 80-90%,
Cucumbers - 85-90%,
Onions - 80%,
Watermelon, melon, pumpkin - 70%.
The specified soil moisture is maintained by periodic watering, the rate of which is determined depending on specific conditions:
- Moisture-charging irrigation is given at a rate of 100-300 liters per m2.
- Presowing or preplanting - give at a rate of 50-80 liters per m2.
- Pre-planting - when planting seedlings, it is 0.5-1.0 liters of water per hole. Depending on weather conditions, pre-planting watering is done at small rates - 10-20 liters per m2.
Vegetative watering of the garden is carried out during the entire period of growing plants before harvesting. In different soil and climatic zones, 1-2 to 15-20 waterings are carried out with a rate of 10 to 80 l / m2. In the daytime (hottest) time of the day or in the evening in the southern regions, refreshing watering is done in small portions of 2-4 l / m2.
Approximate norms and the number of vegetative irrigation of vegetable crops for the southern zone of the European part of Russia are given in table. 2.
Table 2. Irrigation rates, number and time of watering vegetable plants and potatoes
In years with insufficient moisture, the number of irrigations correspondingly increases by two or three. In addition, in the hottest time, it is recommended to carry out refreshing watering with a rate of 5-7 liters per 1 sq. m.
We draw the attention of readers: the period of watering must be determined before the plants show signs of insufficient water supply: wilting of leaves, residual water deficiency, shedding of fruits, ovaries. In this case, the loss of the crop cannot be replenished.
Table 2, the watering time is focused on the periods of the plant's greatest sensitivity to lack of water. Additional watering or its cancellation should be placed between these times.
Watering the garden is carried out depending on the specific conditions. Plants should be watered in the evening (in hot weather) or in the morning (if the nights are cold). It is better to finish the evening watering by 19 o'clock in the evening, so that the moisture on the leaves evaporates by night.
What are the advantages of the procedure
There is no unequivocal opinion among flower growers. Some believe that such a measure is fully justified. Others, on the other hand, say that boiling kills all the beneficial properties of water. As usual, the truth is somewhere in between. The main advantage is that during the boiling process, calcium and magnesium salts are deposited on the kettle. If the plant is very sensitive to them, then this procedure is recommended. But in most cases, speaking about whether it is possible to water the flowers with boiled water, agricultural technicians still answer negatively. There are other ways that you can soften it, but at the same time retain all the benefits of life-giving moisture. In addition to magnesium and calcium salts, boiling neutralizes impurities such as manganese and iron. Plants die from them rather quickly. But the sensitivity of each individual plant will be different.
How to water fruit trees in the garden - watering technique
Water is the most important component in maintaining the life and growth of any plant, since it is part of its cells.
Through water, nutrition and delivery of nutrients along the entire length of the plant from the root system to the leaves and vice versa is carried out.
Watering is very important for fruit trees.
Indeed, in order to maintain its vital activity, a tree (shrub) must receive moisture constantly in the quantities it needs.
In the case of an unstable water supply, as well as its excessive supply, the plant may die.
Important!
Soil moisture is the main source of water for plants, but if there is not enough moisture in it, then the plant definitely needs watering.
What happens when there is a lack of irrigation (water)?
Watering is essential throughout the growing season of the plant.
Due to the high outside temperatures, in the summer, trees lose a large amount of moisture, which leads to drying out of both the foliage and the tree itself, negatively affecting its fertile properties.
Lack of water
Lack of water can cause the ovary to fall off, delay the growth of plants and the formation of fruits, reducing their quality, while the plant begins to wilt and if the process of water intake is not timely normalized, the plantation can completely die.
Watering is extremely important for young shoots, because, unlike adult trees, they do not have a developed root system and sufficient capacity to preserve (retain) water, and therefore require additional watering.
Normal soil moisture
Since the main source of water is soil moisture, in order to maintain a favorable level of vital activity of fruit trees (shrubs), the optimal percentage of soil moisture should be between 65 and 80%.
Why is excess watering dangerous for trees?
At the same time, it should be borne in mind that not only a lack of water can be detrimental to a plant, but also its excess.
With an excess of soil moisture, oxygen is displaced from the soil and carbon dioxide accumulates, which leads to a deterioration in winter hardiness, contributing to decay and death of the plant root system, leading to the death of the entire plant.
The moisture retention capacity of a soil is also related to the level of the groundwater table and the type of soil.
Important!
When choosing a site for planting fruit and berry trees, avoid locating sites in areas of potentially hazardous flooding.
How to water fruit trees
Since garden trees (shrubs) need constant moisture, it is important to take into account the level of groundwater when choosing a place for planting them.
For different fruit trees, the groundwater level will be different, in particular:
- for a pear, it will correspond to the mark - 180-200 centimeters;
- for an apple tree, the mark will be at about - 150 centimeters;
- for planting plums, the mark will be - 100-120 centimeters;
- for shrubs, it will be within - 100 centimeters, etc.
Watering trees after planting (first year)
After planting, the tree must be watered, this will make it possible to compact the soil well around its root system.
For irrigation, you can use a small pressure of water from the sprinkler, due to which watering will be carried out more evenly around the trunk circle.
In the event that it is not possible to conduct a water supply, it is better to water from a watering can with a diffuser.
If the summer turned out to be rainy, then watering is appropriate to skip, in a moderately rainy summer it is worth watering only when the soil dries out.
During a drought, water once a week (when using a sprinkler, 2-2.5 hours at a time).
Watering second year trees
Watering second year trees is similar to watering first year trees.
Watering is advisable in dry summers or in the absence of rainfall for a long time, when the land is dry (the watering procedure is the same as for young seedlings planted in the first year).
When watering, remember that not only a lack of water, but also its excess can be harmful to trees.
Important!
If, with sufficient watering, you notice that the foliage remains dry and continues to wither, it is obvious that there is a lack of air in the root system - loosen the soil in the near-trunk circle and the soil will receive enough air.
From the beginning of August, exclude additional watering of the trees, allowing the wood to mature before the onset of winter.
Watering trees for over three years
Trees from the age of three years are watered in a very dry period, fruit ripening and autumn.
In dry, hot summers, it is advisable to use sprinkling of crowns for young trees; it is recommended to carry out sprinkling when it is cloudy outside or after sunset.
Watering mature trees
Watering older trees is successfully carried out in combination with mineral fertilizers.
To do this, make 5-7 indentations inside the barrel circle to the depth of the shovel bayonet.
Pour a handful of complex fertilizer from above into the holes formed, packing the holes with earth (the top dressing made will be enough for a couple of years).
The sprinkler can now be positioned close to the trunk circle and watered.
To introduce organic matter, along the contour of the trunk circle, and make a small groove, placing fertilizer in it, then cover it with earth.
Watering is carried out in the same way as when applying mineral fertilizers.
Mulching the soil to retain moisture
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to retain moisture in the root system and reduce evaporation from the soil.
But at the same time, it is worth remembering that here, too, the measure in its application is important.
Important!!!
A large amount of mulch blocks the penetration of water into the soil, and this is not necessary for us. For sandy soil, there should be no more than 2-4 cm of mulch, while for clay and loamy soils, no more than 2-3 cm of mulch.
Important!!!
Mulch should not touch the trunk of a tree or shrub, as it can cause various diseases and rot, as well as attract rodents and insects. To avoid this, use mulch about 2 to 3 centimeters from the trunk.
Minuses
Speaking about whether it is possible to water flowers with boiled water, we are faced with the need to evaluate the pros and cons of this procedure, as well as the individual needs of each plant. Boiling significantly softens life-giving moisture, but depletes the content of trace elements. In addition, virtually all of the oxygen is vaporized during the heating process. Therefore, you need to weigh well and think about what is most important for your plant.
Additional watering rules and recommendations
- Watering this or that shrub with rain installations, it is necessary to control the time so as not to overmoisten the soil. This can provoke rotting of the root system and the death of plantings. As a rule, drying open foliage will indicate problems with the roots. As soon as such signs appeared, it is urgently necessary to loosen the soil around the trunk. With an excess of water, this will facilitate the access of air masses to the root system and the plantings will be given the opportunity to recover.
- In the second year after transplanting the plant, it must be watered as needed. The method of watering does not depend on the period of fruit ripening. In the absence of natural precipitation for a long time, the soil can be moistened more often than indicated in the recommended periods. An important indicator for an urgent flooding of soil will be a strong dryness of the earth, if it is dug with a shovel.
Top dressing of fruit trees and shrubs in spring
Severe dryness of the ground - Sprinkling is very convenient for moisturizing seedlings in hot and dry weather. In this way, plants should be watered on cloudy days, before sunrise or in the evening. When sprinkling under the hot sun, water droplets will help focus the sunlight and the green mass of plantations will get burned. The heat of the sun causes irreparable harm to a wet plant. Sprinkling is often carried out in the spring as a preventive measure before the possible return of frosts. Such processing allows to increase the resistance of the crown without foliage to a sharp temperature drop. It is best to flood the plant for prevention purposes for one night before dawn. The process is long, but very rewarding.
- Adult trees, which are more than 15 years old, need not only irrigation, but also simultaneous feeding. It is best to make deep holes in the soil and cover the fertilizer poured deep into the soil with soil.By installing sprinkler systems, you can connect the water. It is very important that the water is evenly distributed over the cavity. You can also apply organic fertilizer by placing it in a dug trench around the perimeter of the near-stem circle. The manure laid in the trench should be covered with a layer of soil. Watering after that should be done either with a watering can or by sprinkling.
Timely and correct watering of seedlings will help to grow a healthy tree that will delight you with a good quality harvest and will not be susceptible to most ailments.
Delicate violet
She is loved by many women. This is an amazing creature that gladly pleases us with its charming corollas. And how many varieties there are, they simply cannot be enumerated. She willingly forgives the hostesses many mistakes in care, but at the same time she is very demanding on the timely moistening of the soil. But speaking about whether it is possible to water violet flowers with boiled water, it is worth asking the opinion of experienced florists. Most of the recommendations are that you do not need to boil it. Moreover, it has a negative effect on plant health. All useful microelements are destroyed in it, and the flower will starve.
Watering potatoes
How much water does potatoes need
After planting and before sprouting, the potatoes do not need to be watered. An excess of moisture during this period does not allow the root system of the plant to develop.
The first watering for potatoes is necessary about 3-5 days after germination, while 2-3 liters of water should be poured under one bush.
During flowering, when the tubers are set, potatoes especially need watering. One abundant watering during flowering is enough to increase the yield of potatoes by 20-30%. The rate of water consumption per bush during this period is 3-5 liters.
When and to what depth to water potatoes
Ideally, there should be enough water to soak the soil under the potato bush to a depth of 15-20 centimeters.
In June, if the weather is hot, it is recommended to water the potatoes late at night.
In the second half of summer, potato beds can be watered both in the evening and in the early morning with warm water settled in barrels.
With the onset of September, it makes no sense to water the potatoes. Watering is completely stopped 5-7 days before harvesting the tubers.
Perfect option
Tap water is a poor choice. It contains impurities and heavy metal salts. It also contains a lot of volatile chlorine. To neutralize it, it is enough to pour water into a jar or bottle and let it stand for a day. With salts of calcium, magnesium and iron, this procedure will do nothing, nevertheless, the liquid will become quite acceptable for the violet. There is one secret that will allow you to grow these flowers lush and beautiful. Do not pour water under the root or spray the plants. It is much better to take a pallet and line it with rounded pebbles. Now it remains to pour water into it - and the first part of the work is finished. You will need a fairly thick rope with a synthetic base to keep it from rotting too quickly. Pass it through the drain hole and pull it through the entire thickness of the soil. Leave the ponytail to look out. He will be saturated with liquid from the pan.
Watering the peppers
How to properly water peppers
Peppers have a shallow root system, so they need a lot of moisture. Watering peppers in the greenhouse is carried out in the morning. It is better to pour water from a watering can directly under the bush, moistening the ground by 10-15 centimeters.
In hot, dry summers, peppers are watered every day so as to keep the soil under the plants moist, but not flooded.
Under normal weather conditions, it is enough to water the peppers once a week, during the fruiting period - twice a week.
Water temperature for watering peppers
Sprinkling water for peppers should always be warm, around 25 ° C. Cold water in a watering can can lead to hypothermia of the roots.Then the bushes stop growing, and the periods of flowering and fruiting are delayed.
Gift from heaven
When you are faced with a dilemma, whether it is possible to water potted flowers with boiled water, or is it better to use tap water, you have a choice of two evils. Of course, it is best to choose the smaller one, but there is no definite answer, it all depends on the specific plant and its needs. Therefore, you can simply choose the third option. This can be rainwater. You need to collect it when it rains for the second day in a row. This rule applies only to urban conditions, since on the first day all the harmful substances that fall into the clouds fall out. Experienced experts note that irrigation with rainwater increases the quality and duration of flowering in begonia, pelargonium, cyclamen and many others.
The power of the root system of vegetable crops is the basis for calculating the irrigation rate
The need of vegetable crops for moisture, like other plants, depends on the conditions of the external environment - air temperature, soil, their humidity, illumination, wind strength. With an increase in the intensity of these factors, the transpiration (evaporation of water) of plants increases, respectively, the absorption of water from the soil increases.
In addition to the reaction to the intensity of meteorological conditions, the need of plants for moisture is determined by their biological characteristics (see Table 1).
Table 1. Development of roots in different types of vegetable crops
The following groups of cultures are conventionally distinguished:
1st group. Includes heat-resistant, air-drought tolerant species: watermelon, melon, pumpkin, vegetable corn, beans.
2- group. Species with a well-developed root system, which allows them to use a large volume of soil to absorb water: cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, carrots, beets, parsley, potatoes, beans, peas. At the same time, the rapid, powerful development of the root system, in a relatively shallow layer of soil, abundantly moistened with regular watering, contributes to active growth, the formation of a yield in these species. This should be taken into account when opportunities are limited.
3rd group. Species that are unable to extract water from the soil in large quantities due to insufficiently powerful development of the root system: cabbage, lettuce, radish, radish, onion, garlic. Moreover, the first four species consume a large amount of water for transpiration (evaporation of water by plants).
Melt water
Continuing to consider what water to water indoor plants, it would be good to recall another popular recommendation. Namely, to freeze water, after which it is divided into pure ice with a minimum of impurities and a concentrate of salts and chemical compounds. It is drained and the ice is melted. The result is a very soft and fairly clear liquid. Nature itself tells us this option. In fields where there is a lot of melt water, the harvest is always better. It can also be obtained in an ordinary freezer, because we are talking about indoor plants, and not about a garden. Do not forget that, living in a large industrial center, you cannot count on complete water purification by simple freezing. The salt percentage will decrease, but it will still be high.
What soil should be for tomatoes
However, in order for plants to grow strong and healthy, the soil must have enough humus and all other nutrients necessary for the plant. Let me remind you of the old saying: "a fool grows weeds, a smart one grows a crop, and a wise man grows soil."
- Loose soil filled with organic matter solves the problem of providing plants with moisture.
- Loose soil allows air to penetrate into its depths, and the air, in turn, gives up its moisture.
The relationship between plants and soil is extremely complex. It is as a result of this interaction that the fruits grow that go to our table. Not very clever intervention in this complex interaction significantly reduces the yield and degrades the quality of the fruit.
Moisture in the soil
Suffice it to recall the reports of meteorologists on the hottest day about air humidity. In soil, the temperature is always lower than in air, and condensation, known to everyone from school, occurs in the ground. Remember how a pan taken out of the refrigerator instantly sweats…. This is condensation.
Nitrogen in soil
In addition, this soil solves the problem of providing plants with nitrogen fertilization without purchases and applications.
- Nitrogen is enough for wild nature and forests, and for cultivated plants it is always in short supply, and this despite the fact that we live in nitrogen.
- Fog and dew are the most abundant sources of atmospheric ammonia and nitric acid. On a hectare of soil, they bring up to 60 kg of nitrogenous compounds annually, which significantly exceeds the need for plants.
Photo: there is enough moisture and nitrogen in loose garden soil
Obviously, for high yields and tasty vegetables, the soil must be fertile. On the lands of the non-black earth, the main component in the formation of a fertile layer of the earth is considered to be organic fertilizers (manure), which is now in short supply and is very expensive. This is all true.
But is it only with the introduction of organic matter that we can solve the problem of lack of humus in our poor soils? |
If this problem is solved only in this way, then I can not even imagine how much manure I need to get those high yields that I get annually.
How I improve soil fertility
In my case, I have not dug up the beds for many years and do without the introduction of organic fertilizers for most garden crops, and in particular tomatoes.
- As soon as the soil warmed up enough in summer, all tomatoes, like all vegetables and melons, I mulch and in most cases, freshly cut grass, which dries up very quickly in the beds.
- Mulch, gradually decaying, significantly improves aeration of the topsoilwhere bacteria, other animals and many worms develop very quickly. All this makes it possible to accumulate from 2 to 3% of humus.
- Under a sufficiently thick layer of mulch weeds are suppressed and in this case, the gardener, the summer resident does not need to spend enormous physical efforts on a merciless war with them.
Photo: mulch in a tomato garden
Filtered and separated
This is the best option for those who do not know what kind of water to water indoor flowers in the city. Filters trap heavy metal salts. This method has one drawback, you will have to change cassettes quite often. A standard household filter cassette lasts for a month. That is, you will need to change it after 3 weeks. As a result, we come to the conclusion that defending the water will be the easiest option. To do this, you will need to allocate 2-3 bottles or cans. Fill them with water and place in a warm place. The chlorine will evaporate by about the second day, and you can water your houseplants. This is the most affordable and commonly used option.
Watering carrots (beets, radishes, root celery, daikon)
The main rule when watering carrots and other root crops is the regularity and abundance of watering. At the beginning of growth, carrots are watered every two weeks. In the second half of the season, during the formation of root crops, the frequency of watering can be increased up to once a week, and in dry summer - up to 2-3 times.
Do not allow the soil to dry out, and then rush to water - carrots can crack or form a gnarled root crop.
The depth of watering for carrots and other root crops is 30-35 centimeters. If the soil does not get wet to this depth, the carrots begin to grow lateral roots, it becomes shorter, it can split in two.
One to two weeks before harvesting carrots, watering is stopped altogether. Only on the night before harvesting can the carrots be watered - this way they will retain their juiciness longer.
Radish at low soil moisture coarsens and quickly goes to the arrow, so it is watered every other day.
Root celery requires a constantly moist soil, otherwise it does not form root crops. It is watered every 2-3 days, on hot days - every day.
Distilled water
It does not contain many trace elements necessary for plants. Therefore, it can only be used by diluting it by half with tap water. It is for this reason that it is taken quite rarely. But if the plant suffers greatly from hard water, then this option will be fully justified. Especially calcium and magnesium salts do not like orchids, bromeliads, anthurium, azalea and other beautiful flowering plants. But instead of distilled water, you can also use boiled water, you will not lose anything.
Irrigation types
There are several ways to moisten the soil on which apple trees are grown. Most often, gardeners use surface treatment in furrows and ditches between rows. For surface watering, it is necessary to water the apple tree along the projection of the crown using a hose. On the ground, under the ends of the longest branches, it is enough to dig a small groove about 15 cm deep and fill in portions with water until intensive absorption stops.
Watering trees by sprinkling involves the use of a fan, impulsive, pistol, or other type of sprinkler. The gardening device sprays the apple trees evenly and scattered in small jets. Correct sprinkler treatment requires the soil to be moistened 60-80 cm deep. Insufficient moisture will only worsen the state of the crop, especially in drought conditions.
With subsoil irrigation, water flows directly to the roots using high pressure humidifiers. This method is especially useful in constant dry weather.
What must be watered in the garden in the heat, how often?
- What lives in the greenhouse, hanging flower beds, baskets and pots
- What has just been sown, as well as newly laid lawns.
- Seedlings that have recently been in the ground
- Recently transplanted crops
- Aquatic and coastal crops
The second in line for watering:
- Those vegetables, berries or flowers that cannot bloom and bear fruit without watering.
- Also, plants that are in the garden with sandy soil need frequent watering.
Possible dangers
When irrigating garden crops with water from a well, plants are threatened by various dangers. The most common of these are temperature shock and oversaturation with minerals, resulting in crop failure.
Temperature regime
As a rule, liquid from a natural source is supplied with an indicator of +8 - +14 degrees (in summer). The owner of the plot irrigates crops in the warm season, when the soil is warmed up to at least +22 degrees. More often than not, there is incredible heat on the street, the earth is red-hot. Under such conditions, ice water falling on the root system of the culture causes its temporary paralysis. The supply of moisture and nutrients to the aerial part of the plant for some time is interrupted. At the same time, the leaves of the culture continue to grow and evaporate. Such processes often result in the rupture of thin streams of water in the capillaries of plants. As a result, everything above this zone perishes. The phenomenon is called among professionals an apoplectic stroke. The most delicate in terms of water temperature indicators are the following crops:
- Strawberry;
- strawberries;
- bush of raspberries and currants;
- tomato;
- zucchini;
- cucumber;
- greens;
- potatoes.
The discrepancy between the temperature of the soil and the moisture supplied for irrigation should not exceed 5 degrees. Professionals recommend moisturizing the soil and plants in the evening or at night, or in the early morning hours. At this time, the sun does not burn the foliage of plants through small lens drops that form after abundant irrigation of the site.
Mineralization
Excess minerals when watering the lawn with water from a well also does not benefit the vegetation.From an excess of iron and calcium, vegetables, berries, fruits often die. Moreover, the owners of the garden and vegetable garden observe characteristic yellowness or rust on the leaves. Such impurities destroy plants and negatively affect the quality of the crop. Vegetables, berries, fruits grown in such conditions are extremely dangerous for both humans and animals.
If the analysis showed an excessive saturation of the liquid with minerals, it is better to immediately install a good water purification system, because the site owner also uses it for domestic purposes.
Calcium and iron especially negatively affect such crops:
- coniferous trees;
- Apple tree;
- viburnum and mountain ash;
- hydrangea;
- lily of the valley;
- maples and other lovers of acidic soils.
In addition to the fact that the admixture of iron has a negative effect on the soil and crops, it also very quickly destroys all the nozzles and other metal elements of the irrigation system. The same effect is observed from resources oversaturated with chloride salts or limestone. Salt water should not be watered at all. All living things will gradually perish.
Manganese burns the soil seriously. Later, it becomes unsuitable for planting and growing plants.
Oxygen saturation of water
The moisture supplied from the well is practically not enriched with oxygen. It is undesirable to irrigate garden and garden plants with such a liquid. The exception is when water is supplied through drip irrigation systems or sprinklers. If watering is carried out through a hose directly from the source, one can not talk about the saturation of the O2 resource.
To saturate the water taken from the well with oxygen, you need to make special sedimentation tanks for it: large barrels, vats, a pool. First, they are filled to the top and the liquid is allowed to be saturated with life-giving gas.
What water to water the garden
For irrigation, you can take river water, from a well, a well and tap water. Only each of them should be prepared for watering in a proper way. The most useful water is rain, of course, if it is not "recharged" from a nearby chemical plant. Water from a well or well must be kept in a container for some time so that it heats up, and the water supply must be defended so that chlorine comes out. River water must also be settled, as it may contain harmful suspended matter.
Is cold water good for irrigation?
Which honey is better, lime or flower
The temperature of the irrigation water can fluctuate between +15 - +20 degrees. Plants get sick from ice water, and hot fruits crack.
Important! It is impossible to water with boiled water, it is poor in oxygen and other useful substances.
Cold water is allowed to water frost-resistant crops (cabbage, carrots), and only when the weather is cool. A large difference between air temperature and water temperature is always undesirable.
Is it possible to water the garden with rusty water from a barrel
It all depends on what was in that barrel before. If it's only a matter of rust, then you can, if the water is not too red. Many gardeners believe that this will saturate the soil with iron, but it is still better to use special preparations with iron for feeding.
Do I need to heat the water from the well before watering
With drip irrigation, the water has time to warm up in the air
Experts assure that heating is the only way to protect a garden, lawn, or vegetable garden from death. Special storage tanks are filled with borehole water. In them, the liquid should settle for about a day or more. During this period of time, the following will happen:
- The water will warm up to the optimum temperature. As a result - the exclusion of shock in plants when they are irrigated.
- It will be saturated with oxygen, will become alive, suitable for moisturizing the soil, the root system of crops.
- It will settle, as a result of which all iron ions oxidized by oxygen will precipitate. This does not require an expensive cleaning system.
- Carbonate salts will linger on the walls of the storage tank.
- The density of the water will change in height.Its upper layers will be less mineralized. Use moisture from this part of the drive.
Thus, a natural purification of the liquid is obtained. It is desirable to have such a volume of storage tanks so that you can gradually add new liquid to them, taking some part earlier.
It is allowed to ignore the temperature regime if water is supplied using aerators. Liquid droplets are heated in the air before falling to the ground.
In order to qualitatively moisten the soil in the garden, vegetable garden, on the lawn during the hot period, 500-1000 liters of water should be consumed per one hundred square meters of the plot.
Features of watering depending on the season
In the spring, with the beginning of the growing season, intensive watering is required for the full development of shoots, leaves and root system. The first is to revitalize the kidneys. The second - 3 weeks before flowering.
In the heat of summer, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. And if before flowering and during it, in order to avoid shedding of ovaries and poor pollination, there comes a time when you cannot water the bushes, then during the period of pouring the fruits, the plant needs a lot of moisture.
Learn how and how often to water the grapes in the summer.
In this phase of the vine's development, it consumes half of all the water consumed during the season for its watering. Abundant irrigation is carried out before the onset of the stage of berry softening. During the ripening period of the grape clusters, watering is not carried out, since it can lead to cracking of the ripening grapes and insufficient formation of sugar in the berries.
Competent autumn irrigation, which is also called moisture charging, after harvesting allows the plant to prepare for wintering, since dry soil is fraught with freezing of the roots. In regions where grapes are not covered in open ground for the winter, irrigation is carried out after the leaf mass has fallen off. Where the vine has to be covered for the winter, moisture is produced after this procedure. In the event of a rainy autumn, additional watering is impractical.
When to stop watering grapes?
The grapes stop moisturizing when they are ripe, which often happens in August. Watering of late varieties, the fruits of which are intended for long-term storage, are stopped in the fall 30 days before harvesting.
After harvesting, on the eve of wintering, the vine is watered again. A seemingly simple action to irrigate grape bushes actually requires taking into account many factors. However, strict fulfillment of the requirements described above leads to a significant harvest of sweet and juicy grape berries.
What to water for good growth
You can water tomatoes not only with plain water, but also with nutrient solutions that have a beneficial effect on plant growth and their productivity. We are not talking about industrial dressings, in the treasury of folk recipes there are many available means that are applicable for this purpose.
What did the previous generations of summer residents feed on tomatoes in an era of general shortage?
Yeast
Yeast mushrooms enrich the soil with micro and macro elements, proteins, amino acids and vitamins. As a result of chemical reactions that occur after the introduction of yeast, the soil is saturated with useful substances and oxygen, and its structure is improved.
The plants themselves increase immunity and resistance to adverse conditions, the roots become more powerful, more ovaries and fruits appear.
You can easily notice the difference in the appearance of tomatoes watered with plain water and yeast feeding.
Yeast accelerates the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, improves its microflora.
The mixture is easy to prepare on your own right at the summer cottage. Both fresh and dry yeast can be used.
- To prepare a standard solution, one bag of dry yeast (or 100 g fresh) is diluted in 10 liters of lukewarm water and 1 tbsp. l. Sahara.
- All components are thoroughly mixed and allowed to brew for several hours.
- The composition is obtained concentrated, before use it is diluted with plain water in a ratio of 1: 5.
Ash
Ash has been used as a fertilizer for cultivated plants for several hundred years. The extraordinary popularity of ash fertilizer is associated with its natural composition and good efficiency.
- As part of such a top dressing, calcium occupies a leading place.
- In addition, the fertilizer contains potassium orthophosphate, magnesium carbonate and sulfate, sodium chloride.
As you can see, with the help of ash, plants receive a set of the most important elements for them.
The substance can be used in dry form, but it is more convenient to use an ash solution. It is not necessary to water the tomatoes with such a composition often; it is enough to use the agent 2-3 times during the growing season.
To prepare a solution for 1 bucket of water, add 100 grams of ash and leave to infuse for 5-6 hours. For one plant, use 0.5 l of an ash solution.
Ammonia
Ammonia is another simple but effective fertilizer. In fact, this is a 10% ammonium hydroxide solution, in which the amount of nitrogen is 80-82%.
Importantly, nitrogen compounds in ammonia are in an easily assimilated form, unlike fertilizers such as urea, ammonium nitrate, and manure.
Fertilizing with ammonia is recommended to use when no growth is observed or tomato leaves become smaller, lose their green color.
- You can water tomatoes with a solution of ammonia before flowering.
- In the future, large doses of nitrogen for plants are undesirable.
Usually, two such dressings are enough to stimulate the development of a tomato.
The solution is prepared very simply:
- For 10 liters of water, add 2-3 tablespoons of ammonia and stir.
- Fertilizer consumption for each bush is 1 liter.
- After 10 days, you can give the plants a phosphorus-potassium supplement.
Signs of excess and lack of moisture for tomato
At the first signs of a lack of plant saturation with liquid or an excessive surplus, you should immediately adjust the care scheme, according to the phase of tomato development and weather conditions.
- The leaves of tomatoes begin to curl in the shape of a boat, and the fruits and ovaries fall off - this means there is an acute lack of moisture. Increase the volume of water and the frequency of the procedure immediately. In addition, it would be a good idea to cultivate the soil and seed it well at the root base.
- An excess of moisture is indicated by cracking tomatoes, a stem that is too long and thin. These are only external signs of the problem: in the underground part, atrophy and decay of the root area occurs. Overflow may not affect the last stage of ripening externally, but it will give a negative connotation to the flavor brightness of the tomato.
- Another sign of excess moisture: the appearance of midges and an acidic smell from the soil. In this case, remove the top soil and replace it with a fresh one, after a few days spill it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or soda.
Read about how to grow tomato seedlings at home here.
If the fruits crack, this indicates an excess of moisture.
The disease is easiest to eliminate at the initial stage, than to deal with mass spread later. We also advise you to harden the seedlings initially, sometimes taking them out to the balcony during growth.
Advice: how to water an apple tree in the heat?
The heat is dangerous for the tree, and on especially critical days the apple tree should be relieved by watering. Watering apple trees in the heat is divided in half. The first part is poured along the furrows until the absorption stops completely.
The second portion is poured into branches or in a layer of 1.5 meters from the ground. So the entire volume of soil, covered by the roots, will be evenly saturated with water and the surface air will cool and moisten. This event is held at sunset.
If there are few trees and there are no sprinklers, then the amount of watering per apple tree will be as follows:
- Up to 35 years old = 40 liters,
- Above = 50 liters.
And early in the morning they repeat, the volume of water is the same.At the same time, they pour it into a hole under the crown with a depth of a quarter of a meter.
Watch a video on how to properly water an apple tree in summer:
If water the apple tree in the heat only with "rain", then such watering will bring little benefit... It will moisten only the surface of the earth, and there are no suction roots, plus a crust may form on the surface of the earth, which will further impede the flow of water to the roots. And the roots are as thirsty as they are.
TIP... The root collar of the tree should be above ground level and not block!
How to water zucchini and pumpkin
These crops do not need water very often, but in large quantities:
- zucchini — once a month, 20 liters per plant;
- pumpkin - before hilling, once in a volume of 7-8 liters per plant; then they do not water it for about a month, after which every 10 days, 10 liters are poured under each bush, stopping watering completely a month before harvesting.
Watering should be done only at the root; pour water very carefully so as not to expose the root system. Choose for "water procedures" in the morning or evening hours: during the day, the likelihood of burns is too high.
Is it possible to water apple trees with different preparations:
Iron vitriol?
Many "academicians" advise that if there was chlorosis, then you have to wait until the apple tree drops its foliage and after the autumn rains, after dissolving a handful of ferrous sulfate in a bucket of water, pour the mixture over the near-stem section. And to do this not every year, but once every three years.
But in truth, this should not be done, because iron is an easily movable metal and before spring it will have time to combine so that it will no longer be accessible to apple roots. But it is possible to "skew" the nutritional balance in the root zone with such watering. Therefore there is no need to fight against chlorosis “like that”.
And after the technogenic 20th century, we still need to look for those gardens where iron is “in the red” ...
The feasibility of watering with fertilizers.
Copper sulfate?
A similar situation is with copper sulfate. Not, you can't water them, because copper in excess can lead to mutations and degeneration of different parts of the apple tree: from inedible areas in fruits to shoot cancer.
Therefore, the revealed copper starvation is treated with a special feeding in the form of a 0.1% solution of aqueous copper sulfate on leaves from May to July.
Can apple trees be watered with cold water from a well?
Proper watering of apple trees in summer can be water from a well, well, stream, but, first of all, you need to know the volume that the apple tree needs to receive, and the main thing is the quality of irrigation water.
Watering cannot be done only with water at which the temperature is close to the freezing point; this is the question of whether it is possible to water apple trees with cold water.
Watering from wells.
When the water temperature is about +4 + 5 degrees, this is not very good, but it is better than nothing, especially in a drought. Dlavnoe - do not water branches and trunks with such water, and, if possible, pour into soil trenches and ditches from 22 pm to 7 am.
And if this is not possible, then pour into the grooves dug around the tree or between the rows, to the depth of the bayonet of the shovel.
With water from a septic tank
Viruses, microorganisms, worms do not die in ordinary septic tanks without special means or steaming the mass. Superficially watering an apple orchard with such water, particles of suspension remain on the grass, branches, then "pass" onto the hands or apples, which are then eaten.
therefore the liquid fraction can and should be introduced, but only between the rows of apple trees in a trench in the fall in front of snow, as one of the fertilization options.
The bottom of the pit is 4 bayonets deep, 2 bayonets are filled with sawdust and shavings, and then they are poured with slurry, at the end of the pouring, the soil layer is returned to its place, the excess top soil is temporarily scattered under the trees. In the spring and summer, after the pit has settled, the soil is returned to its place.
Chicken droppings
You can, but be careful, because this supercon is capable of "burning" trees. To avoid burns, 1 bucket of bird droppings in an iron barrel is liquefied with 10-15 buckets of cold water, stirred thoroughly, allowed to brew for 1-2 days.
This fertilizer is introduced into the near-trunk circular ditch in a full bucket under a fruiting apple tree, and a third of the bucket under young apple trees. This will be an excellent top dressing.
The accumulation of nitrite in the chicken bedding is minimal, therefore it is good to use when digging up the soil and when mulching in spring... Volume - one bucket for apple trees up to 15 years old and two buckets for adult apple trees.
Soapy water
If it was a clean solution of fatty soap, then you can.
But the fact of the matter is that often - these are slops, remnants from bathing, and there after all parabens, sodium sulfate lauretes and laurites... These compounds differ sharply from soap and are extremely dangerous for living creatures in the soil. For as long as each molecule of this "byaki" does not combine with the fatty base, it will not disappear.
Therefore, from such watering, not only fungi and bacteria will die out (and they are not always enemies to apple trees), but also useful beetles with worms.
Potassium permanganate
You can spill the soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for the prevention and disinfection of the earth. Or, for example, for the destruction of earthworms that happen to be in containers with dwarf apple trees, because they can destroy the roots.
But if the gardener is disturbed by worms in the "big" garden, then he can safely listen to the "tyrnet experts" and destroy the garden.
Important! But seriously, potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent, and with a large amount and concentration, it can destroy a lot of things that are necessary and valuable in the soil. Because of his use when watering apple trees is unacceptable!
Yeast
Dry, in packs, no. And not because for a tangible effect it will take several kilos of them for an average garden. But because they are effective in the presence of sugars, and the more sweetness, the better the yeast.
Well, where did summer residents see sweet soil? That is why the already fermented pallet sediments from the mash, wine, kvass, beer, diluted 1 to 6 with water, are introduced onto the leaves, as an element of the fight against microbial-putrefactive infection.
But such a trick will not take place in the soil, there are so many biota that in this way the number of beneficial microbes cannot be increased. This the method "works" only in hotbeds, greenhouses, and in containers, and only in the form of pallet yeast sediments.
Use the right fertilizer.
Boiling water
It is possible, if the gardener wishes death to his apple trees. After all, this method was brought to the garden by summer residents growing berry bushes, and in order for the method to be "brighter", the name was given "Boiling water fight".
In real life, not a single living tree, bush, offshoot will survive the temperature above 50, which is why they do everything so that the water that has already reached the branches on the bushes is not hotter than +47, otherwise the branches would also deteriorate with pests. For greater insurance, such a reception is carried out by people only in winter.
Yes, that's the problem, the composition of tree and shrub branches varies greatly... That is why it is pointless to copy. Moreover, many apple trees are tall and sometimes you cannot reach small shoots with a stepladder.
And it is undesirable to do this on dwarfs with palmettes. There is no serious evidence from scientists about the safety of such processing, and even more so about its necessity and usefulness.
Watering with boiling water is possible only for shrubs.
Irrigation rates
The amount of irrigation depends largely on the age of the plant, although other factors also have an impact. Trees planted in clay soil require the most water. To check if the apple tree has enough moisture, a hole is dug under it to a depth of 25–30 cm and the soil is removed. If the soil crumbles when squeezed, the plant must be irrigated.
Young tree
A seedling needs 3 buckets of water for one irrigation, an apple tree up to 5 years old - from 6 to 8. The amount of irrigation is increased with prolonged heat combined with drought.
Adult and fruiting apple tree
With proper care, the fruit tree develops and grows quickly, and when it begins to delight with the apple harvest, it requires more moisture. For an apple tree from 6 to 10 years old, you need to spend at least 12 buckets of water.In the near-trunk circle, the ground should be soaked to a depth of 70-80 cm.
Old tree
Apple trees bear fruit for a very long time, delight with juicy fruits for up to 35 years or more. To irrigate such a plant, 30–40 liters of water are required for every quarter of the groove dug under the crown.
See also
Description and technology of cultivating the Gornist apple tree
To read
How to combine feeding and watering?
For vigorous growth and good yields, the vine must be fertilized. In the spring, in the phase of rapid growth of green mass, the plant first of all needs nitrogen, which is abundant in organic fertilizers.
Check out the peculiarities of feeding grapes in the fall.
During flowering, the formation of ovaries, in the period when the grapes are already with bunches of berries, when they are ripe, they require more potassium, phosphorus and calcium, which are supplied to the plant as part of complex mineral fertilizers.
2 weeks before the full ripening of the crop, feeding is stopped. And in the fall, to strengthen the immune system and a successful wintering of the root system, the vine again requires potassium and phosphorus. And each time it is recommended to combine top dressing with irrigation of the grape bush, since the liquid facilitates the delivery of nutrients to the plant and contributes to their better assimilation.
Did you know? In terms of nutritional value, grape juice has an advantage over cow's milk, and in terms of its usefulness it is equated to women's milk, therefore it is sometimes called vegetable milk.
Professional advice
Agronomists advise using yeast feeding only on warm soil. Otherwise, the fungi will simply stop fermenting, which means that the desired effect will never come. Therefore, the warmest spring month, May, is considered the best time to feed horticultural crops.
For feeding flower crops, the solution should not be used too often. It is better to use it during the transplantation of crops, as well as in the summer. If weak plants are found in the garden or in the flower bed, then watering with a yeast solution will be a saving procedure for them. However, it is worth remembering that overfeeding the plant has a detrimental effect on it.
After applying the yeast solution, the soil must be fertilized with ash, since it will restore the soil balance of calcium and potassium.
How timely and competent watering affects the growth and fruiting of a tree
The climate began to change frequently. Drought affects areas where precipitation was not a rare phenomenon before. Apple trees begin to lack water, which falls with rains, roots do not get it in the right amount from the ground. Trees can withstand drought for a long time, but young plants do not develop when they are deficient in moisture, the ovary is poorly laid on adult apple trees, and green fruits fall off.
In hot weather, fruit trees need a lot of water; in prolonged rainy weather, watering can harm the plant. The apple tree has different phases of development, the growing season, which must be taken into account.
Can I combine watering with top dressing?
Necessarily! Moreover, recharge can be applied during each watering. In this case, it is necessary to be guided by the methodology of Professor Mecheslav Stepuro, a vegetable grower. For every 10 liters of water, add:
- for the first watering: 20-30 g of potassium or calcium nitrate;
- for the second: 30-35 g of potassium monophosphate;
- for the seventh: 20-25 g of magnesium sulfate (magnesium sulfate);
- for the tenth: 0.5-1 g of water-soluble iron sulfate, manganese, zinc, copper and boric acid;
- for the thirteenth: 30 g of potassium monophosphate.
How to use top dressing correctly
All fertilizers are good, but it is worth remembering the sense of proportion. Indeed, for any plants, an excess of fertilizing is as harmful as their lack. That is why, when making a fertilizer from yeast, it is worth remembering its concentration and the rate of feeding each plant separately.
An overabundance of ozone in the soil can lead to the intensive development of the green mass, but the complete disappearance of the buds.
It is important to remember that the need to replenish nitrogen reserves arises only in spring, since during this period of time the green part of the plant begins to develop intensively. As soon as the plants begin to bloom, feeding should be stopped immediately.
A supplement for indoor plants prepared with yeast is very useful. Since it is a natural organic product that is free of chemicals. The effectiveness of the solution lies in the action of the fungi contained in the yeast on the most secluded corners of plants, where other fertilizers are unable to reach. That is why plants begin to grow better and bloom more actively. The result of using yeast feeding can be seen in a week.
The solution is great for rooting cuttings. First, they are soaked in fertilizer. for 24 hours, and then rooted in clean water. Based on observations, we can safely say that after soaking, the cuttings root much faster, and the roots give several times more.
Video: Yeast for indoor plants
Yeast solution is used to feed vegetable seedlings, indoor flowers, and garden strawberries during transplantation. There are several basic rules for applying fungal fertilizer:
- yeast fungi reproduce better in water, the temperature of which about 500C, therefore, fertilizers must be applied to warm ground;
- you can only use a freshly prepared solution;
- frequent fertilization is contraindicated;
- the introduction of yeast fertilizers is best alternated with ash top dressing, since ash is able to replenish the necessary trace elements that are washed out during fermentation.