Imagine: two neighboring plots, the same varieties of vegetables, similar climate. But on one the beds are bursting with harvest, and on the other - modest fruits, barely covering the foliage.
The answer often lies not in fertilizers or varieties, but in how owners supply water to their plants.
There is a method that is rarely talked about, but it can change your garden forever.
We are talking about "wick watering". This system does not require expensive installations or pumps - plastic bottles and strips of fabric are enough.
What's the point? A bottle of water is dug in next to each plant (or group of plants), from which moisture slowly flows to the roots through an improvised wick (cotton tape, woolen thread).
This approach ensures constant moisture without the risk of overwatering or drying out the soil.
How does it work? Fill a 5-liter bottle with water, make a hole in the lid, thread a strip of fabric through it so that one end touches the bottom of the bottle and the other lies on the ground near the roots of the plant.
Bury the bottle upside down, leaving only the bottom on the surface for adding water. The wick will gradually "give off" moisture, and you can calmly leave for a week without worrying about watering.
Another life hack is to use warm water. Many people water their plants with cold water from a hose, which causes stress to the roots.
Fill the barrel in the morning: the water will warm up in the sun during the day, and in the evening it will become ideal for watering. This is especially important for cucumbers, squash and pumpkins - their roots are very sensitive to temperature changes.
And remember: it is better to water less often, but deeper. Roots are drawn to where there is moisture. If you only moisten the top layer of soil, they will remain weak and superficial.
After each watering, loosen the soil to break up the crust and improve oxygen access.
Combining these techniques will not only save you time, but will also turn even modest garden beds into a source of pride!
Author: Igor Zur