Water Sources

All plants require water to grow. Including those reliant on rain water!

Sources of water include:

· Rain which is ideal for plants, but hard to collect.

· Stored rainwater

· Mist and Dew

· Rivers, streams or ponds

· Tap water

Rainwater is the best – we recommend you use this as much as possible in your school garden

Rain and rainwater are best for plants, they are natural and free! Rain is nature’s way of irrigating plants, but plants also receive moisture from mist and dew and from water that has soaked into the ground. The structure of the soil affects how well the soil retains moisture.

Avoid watering in the middle of the day in summer, as much of the water will evaporate. Also water the soil, not the plant. In hot weather the leaves can ‘burn’ if watered.

TIP! Ideally water early in the morning. To deter slugs, avoid watering in the evening.

Rainwater can enhance plant growth and promote healthier, more vibrant plants. Benefits of using rainwater for plants include:

· it is rich in nitrogen and other essential nutrients, which can enhance plant growth.

· it is at an ideal temperature for plants, reducing stress and shock.

· Rainwater has a lower pH than tap water, which is better for plants.

· Rainwater contains no chemicals, making it safer for plants than tap water.

· Rainwater is easy to access and store in water butts.

If your growing plot is near a river, the soil will naturally be more moist than if your garden is on a hill. Clay soils will retain water better than sandy soils, but clay takes longer to rehydrate when it has dried out.

Try to avoid letting the soil get waterlogged or completely dried out; avoiding extremes helps to ensure a healthy sub-terranean eco-system. Adding mulch to the soil increases the organic content which improves soil structure, aiding both drainage and water retention.

Water is a precious resource. Especially if using tap water, water well, but don’t waste water by sprinkling the plants and the soil surface. It is better to give plants a really good drink early in the morning every few days, rather than giving a small amount in the heat of the day every day. (1)

Sources 1. Improving water management in horticulture / RHS Gardening