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I am wanting some opinions on what is a good or optimal amount of water to put down on the patch. Does most everyone use rain gauges to regulate how much or little water is spread on the patch in a week. Currently, im at about 2" a week. It has been in the 90's here for the past couple weeks, and im putting it on everyday. Haven't seen rain in God knows how long. Im trying to make sure im not overdoing it. How about periods of dry time. Should I have an occasional day with not water added? Thanks in advance, Mike.

7/6/2002 12:32:01 AM

Western Pa.

Water just enough but not too much!

7/6/2002 8:18:50 AM

Stony Plain, Alberta (near Edmonton)

Keep the ground moist but not soggy. If you have lots of organic matter in your soil it will act like a sponge and help to hold the moisture and also provide airspaces for the roothairs to seek out as they develop. If your patch is well drained (i.e. on a slope rather than a piece if flat ground) then you should have no problems with being over-watered. Fortunately, in my area my garden plot is at the top of a gently rolling hill, which slopes about 2-3 degrees to the east, and my soil never becomes waterlogged even after a very heavy rain. My soil is rather loose sandy granular loam which drains easily.

7/6/2002 9:52:11 AM