Watering Plants

When it comes to watering plants in your grow box or raised bed many variables need to be considered. How and when you water your plants, as well as the quantity of water you give to your plants, would depend on the type of growing medium used, the type of crop you are growing, the time of year, and weather conditions.

Important Functions Of Water in Plants

One of the first things we need to answer is why plants require water.

Plants require an adequate supply of water to grow successfully. 

Water has several functions in plants. The six main functions of water in plants are:

1. for photosynthesis

2. to keep plant cells turgid and keep the plant upright.

3. for growth (i.e. increase in height, development of new leaves and roots, etc.)

4. as a solvent for chemicals inside the plant

5. to keep plants cool

6. to transport dissolved substances throughout the plant

How To Recognize When Plants Require Watering

When there is not sufficient water available to plants they begin to wilt. Wilting refers to the loss of rigidity of non-woody parts of plants. Wilting is observed when the usually erect, plant begins to droop (hang down). Wilting diminishes the plant's ability to transpire and grow. Permanent wilting leads to plant death.

It is, therefore, preferable to observe the soil for lack of water than to wait for symptoms of wilting.

At no time should the media in the grow box be allowed to dry out.

Plants in grow boxes should therefore be watered at least twice a day during the dry season and only when the media is becoming dry in the wet season. 

Sources Of Water and Water Quality For Agricultural Purposes

For the grow box operations, water can be accessed from several sources: Rainfall, Pipe borne water, Ponds and Rivers.

The water should be free from contaminants such as herbicides, pesticides, sewerage, etc.

What Equipment is Used For Watering Plants

The equipment you choose to use when watering plants in the grow box has both advantages and disadvantages.

1. Watering Can or Bucket 

Advantage

You can add soluble fertilizers to the water when watering plants.

Disadvantage

It is difficult to use this equipment on a large scale because watering cans and buckets have to be carried to the plant.

2. Hose and Nozzle

Advantage

.Grow boxes can be watered without having to carry heavy watering cans and buckets

Disadvantage

Soluble fertilizers cannot be mixed into the irrigation water when using a hose.

3. Sprinklers

Advantage

with sprinklers, there is a more even distribution of water to the plants. This system of watering is not affected if the land is uneven or not level.

Disadvantage

Sprinkler systems are more expensive than watering cans, buckets and hoses. 

Soluble fertilizers cannot be added to the sprinkler irrigation water.

4. Drip irrigation

Advantage

Drip irrigation is a very water-efficient method of irrigation

Disadvantage

Drip irrigation systems are relatively expensive and are not an aesthetically pleasing method because of all the plastic lines which have to be installed close to each other on the ground.