Watering
Watering Water is as vital for plants as it is for other organisms. The pressure of water within the plant cells helps the plant’s leaves to remain firm. Water also is essential for most of the plant’s biochemical reactions. In addition, water stores essential dissolved nutrients. How often plants need water depends on how hot, dry, and windy the climate is, how well the plant tolerates dry conditions, and how deep the roots go into the soil. Plants can be watered at any time of day. However, to avoid plant diseases that thrive in cool, moist conditions and to reduce water lost through evaporation, gardeners water in the early morning, when the air is cool and still, but the sun will soon dry the leaves. The best method for watering plants is to apply the water directly to the soil, rather than over the tops of the plants. The water should be applied at a rate no faster than it can percolate into the soil so that the excess will not run off and be wasted. This technique reduces water l...