Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?
Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District understands that many of our patrons enjoy growing vegetable gardens. Gardeners can do their part to save water too!
How much water does my vegetable garden require?
Most vegetable gardens require about the same amount of water as your lawn 3/4 to 1 inch of water per week. A few plants such as summer squash and sweet corn require about 2 inches of water per week. Other plants such as melons and winter squash in the ripening stage will produce higher quality fruit with less water. Regardless, your vegetable garden will perform best with infrequent deep watering, much like your lawn.
What is the best way to water a vegetable garden?
LOID suggests using a drip irrigation system. Otherwise, water by hand or with a soaker hose to ensure vegetables receive water at their roots. A really inexpensive solution is a hose timer which is available at most hardware stores.
Does LOID limit the days I can water my vegetable garden?
Yes and No. When LOID is on conservation restrictions there is no exemption for gardens. If you find yourself in need of watering in between your watering days we suggest watering your garden with domestic water.
Tips:
Collect Rainwater, It’s Free– Use a rain barrel to collect water from your gutter downspouts and supplement your watering needs. Look for rainbarrels with a spigot and a screen to reduce leaves and keep out mosquitoes.
Apply water where it is needed– Direct the water at the base of the plants so the water is absorbed by the plant’s roots. A drip irrigation system is ideal for garden watering because plants benefit from the frequent, low-volume application. Less water is lost to evaporation, it will reduce the weeds in the garden, and you’ll be able to work in the garden while water is being applied.