Watering is likely the most time consuming, but yet important task of maintaining a greenhouse. Watering too much or too little could cause you to lose the very thing you have worked so hard to grow, your crops.
What's The Best Time to Water?
Like your grass, it is always best to water in the evening or early morning. Watering during the hot daytime hours will cause burning.
Over watering your plants is also dangerous and will eventually kill your them. You must find the proper balance between too much and not enough water. As you become more experienced, you will learn the best watering cycles for your plants.
When growing plants in soil-less composites, they will dry more quickly and require more water than other plants. The larger and older a plant is, the more water it will require when compared to a younger, immature plant. When plants begin to droop, that is a tell tale sign they are thirsty. During the dormant seasons of January and February, your plants will require less watering.
Watering By hand
Determining how much moisture is in a plant pot can be difficult, particularly if the compost is peat based. A common way to determine the moisture content is to gently press you fingers into the soil mixture. Another common method is to use a moisture indicator. Placing these devices in just a few plants will serve as a general indicator as to the over all moisture content.
Hand watering is beneficial to larger, more mature plants. It is recommended to further break the force of water from a can by wrapping a cloth around the end. Smaller plants and seedlings must be watered with a very gentle spray. You may want to try a spray bottle for watering these types of plants.
In a personal or a small commercial greenhouse, watering by hand is still the most prevalent method used to water plants. However, more and more crops losses due to improper watering methods may force growers to change their methods.
Overhead Spraying
Watering by hand is time consuming so many growers prefer to use an automated overhead spraying system. There are many tubing designs available that make perfect overhead systems when suspended from the roof. There are one and two sided sprayers, you will need to determine which best fits your needs.
Watering Alternatives
If you can not or do not want to spend money on specially designed watering systems with reservoirs, there is an alternative. Go to your local hardware or garden supply store and buy a lengthy piece of plastic guttering. You will also need a capillary mat. Capillary mats allow the plants to be watered from the base of the pot. Using the gutter as a reservoir, insert one end of a capillary mat. Just place you plants on the mat and make sure the gutter is always filled with water.
If you prefer, low cost drip system kits can be purchased. These kits typically come with six to eight drip valves which can be easily synchronized. A few even have adjustment capabilities.
If you can afford to, it is best to have an automated watering system. If you are a part time hobbyist, or an owner that is often pulled away for short periods of time, these systems are invaluable. Timers and sensors can be adjusted to meet your individual needs to keep your plants healthy.
Mike Conley is an accomplished Webmaster and publisher of http://www.Free-Greenhouse-Plans.com/ where he provides information on greenhouse plans and maintenance. |
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