subject: Optimising Veggie Patch Yields With Garden Irrigation [print this page] Keeping the garden green can be tricky for the enthusiastic horticulturalist, and not just in the drier months. Even during the winter garden irrigation is a very important factor for attaining optimum growth for plants. Whether you are a person that grows winter vegetables in a patch at the bottom of the garden or seasonal salads in a poly tunnel, the yield achieved depends largely on the way you water those plants.
The latest garden irrigation equipment has been inspired by the type of technology that has been used for decades in the agriculture industry. In fact, during the 1970s it was feared that food production would not be able to meet demand, and as such developments were made to use irrigation and fertilisers to optimise crop production. By using water wisely it was possible to help increase yields in countries that have severely restricted water supplies.
It is a common misconception that garden irrigation isn't needed in wetter areas. This is not true. Irrigation allows the right amount of water to be delivered to a variety of different plants with different requirements. Rainfall is an irregular and inconsistent way of watering plants, and certainly does not result in bumper harvests. Using methods that have been tried and tested in food production across the world, gardeners can now produce plants that are happier and healthier than ever.
For those who are interested in leading a more sustainable way of life by producing their own food, watering techniques can make a major difference to the amount of food that needs to be purchased elsewhere. Improving yields through dedicated and considered watering schedules will give a better harvest than plants that have just been left to grow naturally; and therefore self sufficiency will be more easily achieved.
Another bonus about using such watering systems is that is cuts down wastage, which is also a concern to any gardener. Not only does watering plants with a watering can take a great deal of time if there is a large area to look after, it also wastes a great deal of good quality water. To avoid this some gardeners choose to use grey water or rain water as opposed to tap water. It is important to appreciate the value of this resource, and understand that whether it has been treated or not, it is a precious commodity and should not be wasted whether you are watering a rosebush or a cabbage patch.
