Water use on allotments
Water is a vital ingredient for all plot-holders growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers but it is a precious resource and can be a significant cost for the club. On sites with a mains water supply it should be used in a sensible and considerate manner by all.
Here are some guidelines we propose for the water use on EHGC sites.
How to reduce the need to water
• Dig in or mulch with plenty of organic matter; this will help to retain moisture in the soil. Apply mulches when the soil is warm and moist, this will reduce water loss due to evaporation and also suppress weeds.
• Weeds compete for moisture and nutrients in the soil so weed regularly or cover soil with a weed suppressing geo-textile. The weeds, roots and all can be composted if processed correctly by drowning in water or put in a black plastic bag in the sun until they decompose. Weed seeds will only be destroyed in the hot compost process.
• Grow crops that suit your local conditions.
All of our sites have access to the water supply, except Riverside.
Dealing with drought
Some droughts are short and intense while others are long and take time to develop. Every drought is different and there is no formal definition of a drought. Plot-holders who garden with water in mind, who reduce the need to water and harvest rainwater will have plots that withstand the stress of drought much better.
Watering wisely
The best time to water your crops is in the evening or very early morning, using a watering can and aiming at the roots not the foliage. Water thoroughly on a weekly basis and soak the soil, rather than a little at a time. Water appropriately to the crop, plants also need different amounts of water at varying stages of growth and too much water can affect yield and taste.
The Club would like to encourage the use of water harvesting, regardless the site has access to mains water. Many authorities do not allow hose pipe watering of crops but will allow hoses to be used to fill up water butts on plots.
A hose pipe can use over 1000 litres of water in just one hour, which is more than the average household uses in an entire day.
WATERING Your vegetables
Squash can survive and produce fruits from minimal watering but courgette plants need to be kept constantly moist.
Aubergines, cucumbers, sweet corn and tomatoes need constant water throughout their growing period.
Crops such as cabbages, chard and spinach along with salad crops need water at every stage of growth.
Avoid watering peas and broad beans when young but they will need water at flowering time and about 2 weeks later. Runner beans need constant moisture but French beans can cope with dryer conditions.
Water onions to establish and then only in dry spells.
Water potatoes regularly from 6-10 weeks after planting when they start to produce tubers.
Carrots and parsnips will split if watered irregularly, water before dry conditions develop.
Celery, celeriac and Florence Fennel need copious amounts of water to develop and will be damaged by drought conditions.
Guidance by National Allotment Society.