Garden Watering Tips (Q&A)

Plants need water but providing consistent soil moisture can be a challenge. Gardener Scott discusses how to water the garden, offers tips for successful gardening, answers common gardening questions, shares gardening philosophy, and more. (May 20, 2024)
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[@AmericaFirstNow]

I didn't know that about straw. I also buy straw the previous year. Also, I lay it down when I mow the grass and I get a mixed mulch when I bag the the cuttings or put it right down. And often use almost done compost.

[@conniedavidson1807]

I got my shade cloth up yesterday. We are already in the 90's and it's hot.

[@gillianmeyers9603]

Holy Moly! This topic is right on time. I live in a condo and my 10 raised beds are rung around the part that is not attached to the other unit. Needless to say, 8A Hotlanta, GA, is just as the name infers. I spent 3 hours yesterday watering my beds. It was 88 and I had to cool off at the local pub with a Margarita. 😂😂 I am already whipped and shopping for drip irrigation.

[@bearsmom42]

I'm getting anxious to plant, too. Last year, I planted on mothers day (in ohio) and lost everything to a cold snap. This year, I'm waiting till Memorial Day!

[@AmericaFirstNow]

I'm in western NY. I remember we had an overnight temp of 25° in mid May.

[@Wisconsin_Gardener]

For you in container gardens. When that sun hits, those containers will dry out fast. If you need to water them, do so. No matter the time of the day.

[@GardenerScott]

Absolutely. I often water my containers in the afternoon when it's obvious they're drying out.

[@heidimarchant5438]

We always get antsy here in the upper west but we have to be patient and wait until June 1st to be certain.

[@janetmacdonald2823]

So much great garden info in the chat, was busy taking notes! Drip systems with timers, filters. Quick connect. Grow bags stay damp in kiddie pool with holes 3" up. Molasses to feed microbes in soaking compost for natural fertilizer. 💦

[@alinkovacs6122]

I live in the Pacific Northwest and it’s raining a lot here

[@Nik.No.K]

Wow I didn’t think of Colorado as being so cold. I’m in Michigan, we’ve had a very mild winter this year so I started seeds in February and by the end of April my garden was basically fully set up outside. The last thing I planted was corn on May 1st and they’re doing well now. My tomatoes were a little slow going after I first put them outside but now it’s been in the 80’s every day and supposed to stay hot for a good while. It’s crazy warm here for flint MI

[@ptmonagh]

We call it High Desert because of its elevation. Gardener Scott’s garden is around 6300-6400 ft elevation (above sea level) -dry thin air gets cold quickly at this altitude when sun goes down, while no humidity in the air cannot trap warmth in the air. -Conditions are very similar here in New Mexico high desert also, but being a little south we usually warm up a bit quicker than CO.

[@Nik.No.K]

@@ptmonagh that is interesting

[@hanzketchup859]

Hi Gardener Scott! Your garden looks Sweet! Cheers!

[@emkn1479]

I think the quick connect hose components are far more valuable than you’re saying. Don’t downplay the process-for me it’s not about tedium or time as much as it’s about the aggravation of not being able to screw the hoses together tight enough to prevent leaking or the physical wear and tear on the hands and wrist. They are invaluable.

[@hanzketchup859]

Terra cotta spikes are great to use as a seeping type continuous watering, Ollas are great too, made of terra cotta but they’re sometimes larger, you gotta have the room. Cheers GC! You’re the Best by far! P.S. ascorbic acid helps dissipate chlorine, just a little bit.

[@timk7073]

Hotter than Hades today here in Ohio

[@daynamichelle4657]

Thank you for the great tips! I’ve also been trying to find information about whether it is safe to use water from rain barrels to water edible plants.

[@GardenerScott]

Because of potential pathogens from birds and other animals on roofs that drain into rain barrels, be cautious using the water for edible plants.

[@daynamichelle4657]

@@GardenerScott thank you! I will only use for my ornamentals and other areas then. Appreciate you advice as always :)

[@elisagehrke4102]

Love your apricot and white roses! Names?

[@sanjeevkukreti2260]

I am from India temp is around 40degree c how to water at our place

[@GardenerScott]

Soaker hoses or drip irrigation under mulch may help reduce evaporation.

[@myrondrong6636]

Is it ok to use shredded paper for mulch🇨🇦?

[@GardenerScott]

It can clump and reduce movement of air and water into soil.

[@myrondrong6636]

Do you use rain water to water your plants instead of tap water ?

[@GardenerScott]

I don't. In Colorado we aren't allowed to save most of our rain water.

[@bowtielife]

I always have the highest respect for your information but something you said in this video really bothered me. I have contemplated it all week and it is still bothering me. You stated that companion planting does not work (I think). Then you gave an example of some of the obvious gardeners tales that are fake and/or unproven. According to the definitions I can find companion planting is simply one plant benefiting another. There are plenty of scientific (and non-scientific) studies that have proven validity to many plans of companion planting, one plant benefiting the other in production due to reduced pests, etc. (i.e. Blue Hubbard squash) I am just trying to understand the nuance of your statement from the viewpoint of my admittedly obsessive compulsive behaviors. @GardenerScott , Can you address and clarify?

[@GardenerScott]

Much companion planting "advice" is purely anecdotal and when you read companion planting books one will say to always plant a specific pair and another will say to never plant the same pair. While some plant companions seem to work well, I'm not convinced it is the magical combination many people think. There is little scientific research that validates the claims of common suggestions and the results of the few studies show some pest control can be attained but only with specific plants in specific conditions and it isn't the broad solution many gardeners think it is. Growing a variety of plants throughout the garden and within beds has a positive impact on attracting beneficial insects. Plant pairs can be chosen to benefit each other but I haven't seen definitive research about pest control benefits in general gardening practices other than trap crops. It isn't always the pairing of plants but the overall garden plan that makes a difference. Here is an article for your review that I agree with: www.gardenmyths.com/companion-planting-truth-myth/