TikTok: Tips for Watering Your Garden in a Changing Climate
During a heatwave in the summer, I created this educational TikTok with easy ways to conserve water in your garden for Prairie North Fruit Co. Below is the accompanying blog post content.
Tips for Watering Your Urban Garden in a Changing Climate
Water Deeply Less often
This is a general rule for establishing plants, but it becomes especially relevant during hot weather. Watering in little bits often only adds moisture to the top layer of soil. Deep watering encourages the plants to develop more of their root system near the surface. When the hot weather comes, the top layer of soil that is most exposed to the hot air and scorching sun will dry out quickly. If your plants only have roots near the surface they will struggle to access the water they need.
Also, by watering deeply you can ensure that there is moisture under the top layer of soil. This moisture will not evaporate as quickly and help gives your plants access to water even after the top layer of soil is dry.
Water in Early Morning or Evening
During the hottest days of the year, it’s not very productive to water in mid-day sun. While it may be tempting to focus on watering during the scorching parts of the day, a lot of the water you try to give to the plants will quickly evaporate. Watering in the early morning or late evening while it is a bit cooler and the sun isn’t as strong will ensure that more of the water makes it to the roots of the plants where it is most needed.
Water Directly at the Soil
Try to apply water directly to the soil as much as possible. Water on leaves can be an inviting environment for unwelcome fungus and water droplets on some types of leaves can actually focus sunlight causing burns to the plant tissue. Even if it doesn’t cause any harm, water on the leaves or in the air isn’t going to help a thirsty plant, a lot of it will just end up evaporating. Watering close to soil ensures that the majority of the water gets into the soil and to the roots.
Use Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is a great way to apply water directly to the soil slowly. Watering in big fast dumps is more likely to cause runoff and pooling. The slow release of drip irrigation helps the water seep deep into the soil. It is also a pretty easy way to water because you don’t actually have to be there for most of the watering. Turn the water on and leave it to slowly give your plants a good deep soak.
Harvest and Store Rain Water
We are incredibly fortunate to have a reliable supply of fresh water where we live. But it’s no secret that access to freshwater is a growing concern around the world. We do our best to find ways to minimize our consumption. One of the ways we do this by harvesting rain water to use in the garden. We have a 1000L tote that collects water off our garage that would otherwise go to the storm sewer and it is amazing how quickly it can fill up after a rain. It’s also amazing how quickly we can use up hundreds of litres of water during a heatwave. While we haven’t faced any water restrictions yet, collecting rainwater helps us avoid using extra water when demand is high and gives us some backup if we do end up facing water restrictions.