The Do's and Don'ts

1
The Do's and Don'ts
of Watering
From foukeffa.org Written by Toni Whitton Ag
Student Texas AM
GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office To accompany the
Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Course
01461 July 2001
2
Objectives

• Recall three major functions of water in plant
  growth.
• Explain two effects of over and under watering
  your plants.
• Be able to determine when plants should be
  watered.

• Discuss the time and frequency of watering.
• Compile a complete list of watering requirements
  for your neighbor. (activity)
• Research the issues of water conservation and
  local water ordinances in our area.

3
Functions of Water

• Provides two essential nutrients to plants.
• Keeps plants turgid or inflated.
• Medium for transporting nutrients and food
  throughout the plant.
• Necessary for photosynthesis.
• Maintains stable temperature in the plant.

4
Effects of Watering Plants

• Over Watering
• Shallow root systems
• Root rot
• Wilting
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Stunted growth

• Under Watering
• Decreased Growth
• Decreased rate of photosynthesis
• Smaller leaves
• Shorter internodes
• Stunted, hardened appearance

5
How to Determine When Plants Need Watered

• Learn plant signal
• Watch for drought stress
• Discoloration of the plant

• Lack of turgidity in the plant or turf
• Plastic stick method
• Wetness of the soil

6
Methods of Watering

• Sprinkler
• Drip
• Surface
• Manual

7
Time and Frequency of Watering

• Time
• Early morning hours
• Not afternoon
• Not late afternoon or early evening

• Frequency
• When needed
• Determining factors include
• Need
• Soil Characteristics
• Environmental conditions