How much water does a vegetable garden need / week if there isn't any rain?

Question

We live in the Mid-West if that makes a difference. We are growing pretty much a wide variety and it is a fairly large garden. We also have to pay for our water, so I don't want to over water and waste. With living in the mid-west we also have clay soil which does not dry out as quickly as sandy soils do. So can anyone give me a really GOOD AND HONEST ballpark figure? Thanks!

Answer 1

You can determine when to water by taking a soil core sample from the plant root zone- top 6 inches. Squeeze the sample into a ball. If it holds together in the palm of your hand, the soil is sufficiently moist. If, however, it crumbles, apply water. A foot of dry soil holds 1 inch of water. To determine when an inch of water has been applied, place three or four tuna fish cans under the sprinkler system. Check the time it takes to accumulate an inch of water in the cans; set the sprinkler or other watering devices accordingly. During hot and windy weather, a garden will consume up to 1 and 1/2 inches of water. Water consumption is reduced as fall approaches.

This is the most complete site I know.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homelandscape/water/water.html
http://cecalaveras.ucdavis.edu/water.htm

Answer 2

At most hardware stores you can buy a water meter that tells you if the soil is wet or dry. You just stick the probe in the soil next to the plants and it instantly tells you the moisture in the ground. The meter costs about $5 and is worth every bit of that. No more guessing.

Answer 3

Always water in the early morning or late afternoon as the sun will bake them . If it is a dry climate water every day if not every other day when it dosen't rain. if you use a small amount of water each day it will be less than a lot in a week or even less.Good Luck!!

Answer 4

honestly, it would depend on the size of the garden and what type of vegetables you have. I think giving water every other day would be okay.

Answer 5

well depending on the size and verity of the plants, about 1 gallon a day for every plant to be healthy and produce....I run a nursery and we water our vegetables every other day, to keep them healthy and looking good....Try using a liquid fertilizer,preferably organic. it will help..

Answer 6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watering_garden#Watering_gardens

Answer 7

enough but don't let it be too saturated...