Watering garden by irrigation. - Ask Extension
I have a small garden with tomato and pepper plants. The garden is irrigated and I can easily control the frequency and duration of watering. What is ...
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Watering garden by irrigation. #870888
Asked May 31, 2024, 7:05 AM EDT
I have a small garden with tomato and pepper plants. The garden is irrigated and I can easily control the frequency and duration of watering. What is the best schedule? Is it better to water a few times per day for short periods or once a day for longer? Thank you.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Ann Marie, thanks for the question.
The ideal way to irrigate is to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. These plants require 1to 2 inches of water total for a week, applied every other day adjusting for rain and hot dry periods. Seedlings may require twice daily irrigation. Sandy soils will drain quickly and may require once daily irrigation and clay or high organic soil may require twice a week. Wind, and hot dry temps may require more frequent irrigation. What needs to happen is to get the moisture into the root zone at about 6 inches.
I hope this helps.
