It’s only natural for newbie gardeners to ask this question: “How does the amount of water affect plant growth?”. If you’re one of the countless others who are new to the world of gardening, you’re reading the right article.
All Kinds of Plants Need Water
You probably agree that water plays a critical role in all life forms – including plants. In fact, even the hardiest plants that grow in the desert need water to survive. Needless to say, water does a lot of good for any plant.
Question #1: How Does the Amount of Water Affect Plant Growth?
It’s important to note that too much water or too little of it can have a significant impact on a plant’s life. In order to thrive, they need to have just the right amount of water.
Too much water
Watering your plants too much will eventually cause their roots to rot. Additionally, when the soil has too much water in it, it would be impossible for any plant to get a sufficient amount of oxygen from the soil.
Not enough water
Conversely, when your plants don’t get enough water, you can’t expect them to absorb the nutrients that they need in order to thrive well.
The proper balance of water
Since every plant that you can think of won’t be able to grow as it should if its roots aren’t in their best condition, it’s extremely important to achieve a proper balance of water when you’re trying to grow them.
Question #2: How Can I Check the Amount of Water in the Soil?
Thankfully, you can do a few practical things to check if the soil has too much, too little, or just enough water in it. Here’s how you can do it:
Tip #1: Put your finger in the soil
To check if the soil needs more water or otherwise, all you have to do is to stick your finger into the soil up to your knuckle. If you feel that the soil is moist, this means that it contains just the right amount of water. On the other hand, dry soil signals the need to water your plant right away.
Tip #2: Lift the plant’s container
If you’re growing your plants in a pot or any type of container, one of the simplest ways to check for the soil’s water content is to lift the pot. If it feels a little lighter than usual or if you notice that the soil is starting to pull away from the sides of the plant’s container, you need to water it as soon as possible. You wouldn’t want to run the risk of dehydrating your plants.
Question #3: How Can Water Help My Plants?
In case you’re not aware, plants get dissolved sugar and other nutrients from the soil that they’re planted in. As mentioned earlier, water is crucial to your plants’ growth because it helps your plants stay healthy by transporting essential nutrients through the plant itself.
Did you know that when plant cells don’t get enough water, they tend to take on a droopy appearance? In other words, water helps keep these plants standing tall.
When you don’t get to water your plants on a regular basis, don’t be surprised if they become malnourished, as well as physically weak. What’s more, they won’t be able to support their own weight. It would
Question #4: Do All Types of Plants Need the Same Amount of Water?
No, they don’t. Various plant types require varying amounts of water. If you’re growing your plants outdoors, you won’t be able to have complete control over the amount of water they can get.
If your region gets plenty of rain, making sure that your soil properly drains is a must. Keep in mind that too much water or too little of it will have a negative effect on plant growth.
Question #5: How Can Water Travel Through a Plant?
The roots of the plant serve as the portals of entry for the water to seep into the plant itself. The water travels from the root system to the stem until it reaches the foliage, fruit, and flowers. The plant’s xylem vessels serve as the capillaries or passageways through which water can travel.
Question #6: What Else Can Water Do for My Plant?
Aside from helping your plants grow, water also regulates their temperature as the water evaporates. The plant tends to draw up more water through its root system in order to replace the moisture that evaporated from the plant’s surface area.
Grow Your Plants in a Hobby Greenhouse!
Are you seriously thinking about growing your favorite plants inside a hobby greenhouse? This list of amazing benefits might just push you towards greenhouse gardening.
You’ll be able to create the perfect growing environment
Having your own hobby greenhouse allows you to easily manipulate the temperature, moisture, and sunlight that your plants are exposed to.
Experience extended growing seasons
Plants that are growing inside a hobby greenhouse aren’t affected by the weather outside. It gives you the opportunity to grow plants that aren’t native to your region.
Protect your plants from pests
Since a hobby greenhouse is an enclosed space, you can be sure that its layer of protection can help you keep destructive bugs and vermin at bay. Conversely, it also allows you to introduce beneficial insects that can help your plants grow well.