Best Method Of Watering A Raised Bed Garden - Self-Watering Garden Beds
by John Yazo
The best method to water a raised bed garden with is with a soaker hose or build a self-watering bed. It will supply the proper amount of water to your garden and conserve water at the same time. A soaker hose alone is not the only factor in watering properly. The key to watering any garden or potted plant is the soil. If the soil structure isn't able to retain moisture as well as drain well watering will be a problem with any type of garden.
Soil is what retains the moisture needed for plants to survive. Having a poor quality soil can prevent plants from getting the water they need. Having a good healthy soil and soil structure is the first step in watering your plants properly.
A soaker hose is the best way to keep the moisture content consistent in your raised bed garden when used correctly. Raised bed gardens are the ideal location for soaker hoses to be used. They need a level area to work properly. The hose should be run the length of the bed and spaced about eighteen inches apart in a garden with good soil structure. Once the hoses are in place turn the faucet on slowly until you notice water seeping from the hose. You do not want the water to be spraying out of the hose. The best way to hook up a soaker hose is on a timer to conserve and regulate the amount of water your garden is getting. Start by setting the timer to run for a half hour twice a day. Then check the soil to see if there moisture several inches into the soil. If not you will need to adjust the timer a little longer and recheck the soil until there is the proper moisture penetration into the soil. The soil should only be moist, not soaked. To much water for plants is just as bad as to little water.
Once you have the water set to supply the proper amount of water needed you need to apply a two to three inch layer of organic mulch over the area to help retain the moisture in the soil.
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