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Stanwood, Washington

How much and how often do you water early in the season. My plants are about ready to set down the main vines and I have been giving them about a gallon every other day. Just curious to what others are doing at this time of the season.

5/27/2011 4:03:53 PM

Midwest

Get a handful of soil and squeeze it. If it compacts like a snowball, ok but if it crumbles, needs water. When I water, I give it a good amount thinking the root system is 12-18in down and soil is absorbing it good unless you have lots of clay. Evaporation is rapid in the 80s and wind so I water every other day like you. Regular watering is what these plants seem to need. Best wishes!

5/27/2011 7:08:41 PM

Muddy Waters

It depends on your drainage,Once we stay in the 70s I will water everyday,everyones soil is different,you can buy a mositure meter.10 bucks

5/27/2011 7:46:40 PM

Breslau, Ontario, Canada

I typically dont water at all during the first few weeks especially before the plant lays down. I like to think this forces the roots to spread out further and deeper in search of water and nutrients.

5/28/2011 1:20:26 AM

Lloydminster/AB

I'm a non waterer too. Some times you have to but I have 6' of vines and have not watered since the three leaf stage. They were looking pretty rough when they first laid down and in my early days I would have watered them. Unlike last year it has been warm and dry here but there still is sufficient moisture down deep. If you water too much the roots seem to stay near the surface and you must water constantly.train the plant to have deeper roots then water more after fruit set. I think that a lot of plants that seem to do well in hot conditions have just been made to have their roots where there is a more constant supply of moisture.

Of course the the other messages on this thread apply. I just feel that moisture further down is a more stable source and the more roots there is at that level the better your plant will do once the enormous demands of fruit growth begin. Within miles of my clay bottomed patch are places with a sand base that have to be watered often or there is no moisture. I was always going to buy one of the tensiometers that have the glasstube and meter.

5/28/2011 10:46:07 AM

milford, CT,

See my post on Moisture Probe..It backs up what you guys are saying..Also..The roots will grow deeper to find that water..Making the plant more drought resistant..Mark

6/4/2011 12:21:01 PM