Gardening: Young seedlings are very sensitive to drying out thanks to their poorly developed root systems. One breezy or sunny day without moisture can be an end to weeks of successful sowing and growing. Even if seedlings don't perish, they can suffer stress through drying out and this can result in stunted, less productive plants that can be more susceptible to disease.
So - keep an eye on your plants! If foliage starts to look limp then it's time to give them a drink. Ideally they shouldn't get to this stage if soil around them is constantly moist. Do the finger test to check - push your finger fully into the soil about a finger's length from your plant, soil should be moist at your finger tip. If it's not them give soil a good drench with a watering can.
Water early morning so soil absorbs moisture before it all evaporates during hotter parts of the day. Ideally water should pool temporarily on top of the soil before it disappears - this is a good way of ensuring that you have given a particular area enough moisture for plants to remain hydrated through the day. Use a sprinkler attachment on your hose or a rose at the end of your watering can to prevent delicate seedlings from being washed away. Mulch all bare soil where possible but avoid mulch around newly sown seed or it will smother small seedlings. Birds love to rootle around in freshly laid mulch and it can be easily tossed over young seedlings so keep an eye out and readjust your layer if need be.
A tip for quick watering is to place a half barrel beneath your tap. Let this fill with water and dunk your watering can into it - rather than waiting as the tap slowly fills your can you'll be full and ready to water in moments!
Get free seeds packs with all POD orders over $25 at the POD website.
