• All
  • Articles
  • Videos
  • Plants
  • Recipes
  • Members

The Importance of Watering Your Garden

Comments ()  |   |  Text size: a A  |  Report Abuse  |  Print
close

Report This Article

The Importance of Watering Your Garden

Reason for flagging?

Comments

Submit

Share:    |  Email  |  Bookmark and Share

Overview

Watering the garden seems like common sense, but the way we water makes a difference. The importance of water to plant growth is more complex than just a "drink of water" now and then.

Frequency and Amount

To grow and stay healthy, plants must receive water on a regular schedule in an amount suitable to the species. Tomatoes, for example, start blossom end rot with too much or too little water applied irregularly.

The Water Cycle

Plants are a part of the water cycle that provides water for rivers, oceans and aquifers. Plants' consumption and respiration of water is the link between rain and water used for drinking and recreation.

Food

Plants use water to provide hydrogen, which, when combined with carbon dioxide collected from the soil and air, makes carbohydrates and free oxygen. These sugars are the foods upon which plants depend to live and grow.

Trace Elements

Water carries traces of minerals and other nutrients like boron, chloride and iron that complete the daily requirements of plants. Water transports these elements from the soil to the growing cells within plants.

Insulation and Cooling

Water evaporates from plants, cooling them in the summer. Regularly watered plants have well-hydrated cells that help insulate them from fluctuating temperatures and frosty weather.

References

  • The Role of Water in Plant Growth

Who Can Help

  • Water and Plant Growth
  • Water and Freeze Injuries
  • Soil-Water Relationships
Keywords: watering, garden, importance, growth

About this Author

Laura Reynolds began writing professionally in 1974. She has worked as author and editor in nonfiction, professional journals and newspapers. Reynolds has also served in numerous appointed and elected local offices. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Northern Illinois University.

New in Watering

Additional Reading

Member Calendar Entries

Create Your Own Calendar

Read More Like This

Watch More Like This

More Topics Like This

Join Discussions About This

More Forum Posts
  • All
  • Articles
  • Videos
  • Plants
  • Members
  • Plant Guides
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy†
  • Terms of Use†
  • Contact Garden Guides†
  • Site Map
  • Ad Choices
  • Advertise†

Topics

† Requires Javascript

Copyright © 1997-2010 Demand Media. All rights reserved.

Demand Media