My father taught me to garden as a child and helped me build my garden as an adult. I lost my father this month, but I find joy and happiness in his memory as I spend time in my happy place.
I would like to thank everyone who called, messaged, and emailed me with thoughts and prayers regarding my father’s passing. My dad was special, and I will forever cherish his memory and all he has taught me during our many years together. It is not a goodbye; it is a “see you later.”
During the summer months, particularly in July, we tend to get less rainfall. I am always worried that my plants are not getting enough moisture to the roots for proper growth. To help with this, I place six to eight inches of compost in my garden after my plants are in the ground. This not only helps with keeping moisture in the soil but also prevents weeds from becoming a problem. The compost will also give the appearance of clean, well-maintained beds.
Most vegetable plants need one inch of water per week. Watering should be spread over a few days rather than all at once.
Seedlings may require small amounts of water delivered more frequently until they become established. Over watering plants can cause the roots to become waterlogged, leading to the death of the plant.
To help determine how much water your plants need, you can use the “finger method.” Place your index finger two to three inches into the soil. If the soil is dark in color and sticks to your finger, chances are your plant has enough water. During these hot summer months, I recommend checking your plants daily.
My tip this week would be to invest in a moisture meter. This device has a metal probe that you insert into the ground, which reads how much moisture is present in the soil. This meter can also be used on indoor house plants to prevent overwatering. Moisture meters are not expensive and can be purchased at just about any garden center or hardware store. Since I started using a meter, I have noticed a difference in the consistency of the moisture in my soil.
Happy Gardening! #70
