Waterwise Veggies
Episode: Two
Date: 11th of April 2009
Story: Waterwise Veggies
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Growing edible plants is the hottest thing in gardening at present, and no wonder nothing tastes better or is as good for you as home grown. But there is a reality attached to growing edibles, as a general rule they use more water than garden shrubs. So can you grow them in a waterwise way?
The answer is of course yes, and if you have rainwater then try to focus using this harvested water for the leafy vegetables and salads, If you don?t then try growing in a container.
Choosing the right plants
There are also some plants that require less water than others. Getting started with the best quality plants can save water straight away but it?s always good to use Mediterranean species such as thyme, lavender and rosemary. Chives are also remarkably dry, tough plants.
When it comes to veggies, varieties that have deep root systems are always good too. The members of the brassica family like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale and kohlrabi all grow extensive root systems. They have waxy leathery foliage which needs to be cooked but is very water wise. Grouping plants together by water use is always a clever way to direct the right amount of water to the right place in your veggie patch.
Rich Veggie Patches
Make sure your veggie patch is rich and organic. Use humus for the planting soil. I plant direct into Biowise soil improver to get best effect. You can also use water storage crystals under each seedling and applying a seaweed extract is also proven to reduce transpiration.
Another thing you should do is apply an anti-transpirent spray. Every time you buy seedlings, buy one of these and spray it over the foliage after planting. In combination with seaweed extract you can almost guarantee 100% success and the plants use less water establishing.
Mulching is also a wise idea. Adding a layer at least 50mm thick will make a huge difference to the amount of water you have to apply to sustain your plants on hot days.
Lastly remember that your watering system can be very efficient. Recycled rubber weeping hoses like this are brilliant in veggie patches as are direct delivery sub surface irrigation systems.
Featured Products
- Hanging Planter designed to meet the needs of the home gardener and hobbyists who run a busy lifestyle.
- The water well divider incorporates three evenly placed and strategically positioned seepage chambers extending down into the water well divider incorporates three evenly placed and strategically positioned seepage chambers extending down into the water well.
- Be water wise with Premium BioWise Mulch or Soil Conditioner.
- The Finest Quality Composts and Mulches specifically designed for WA's harsh soils and climate.
- RICH in Organic Matter.
- High in Nutrients.
- With Essential Trace Elements.
- Free of Weeds.
- Free of Disease and Pathogens.
- Safe for Humans.
- Safe for Pets.
- Perfect for Plants.
- Great for Gardens.
- BioWise is a joint venture between SITA Environmental Solutions & the Water Corporation of Western Australia.
- BioWise composts and mulches are made to Australian Standard AS 4454 - Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.
- BioWise composts, mulches and soil conditioner are derived from green organics, biosolids and food residue. They are carefully matured to ensure compliance with Australian Standard AS 4454 for Composts, Mulches and Soil Conditioners. All our products are regularly tested to ensure a high-quality, consistent product.
- It protects against sunburn, salt spray, and frost and wind damage.
- It?s often used when transplanting to help the plant survive with its reduced root system and allow time for the roots to recover.
- DroughtShield also encourages seedlings to transfer happily into garden beds or larger pots.
- Mixture of water-saving crystals, Seasol plant tonic, and Powerfeed liquid fertilizer.
- Can be added through a hole if the plant has already been planted.
- Should be placed in the soil, just under where the root systems will go.
- Does not need to be mixed with water.
- Seasol helps the plants to become more plant tolerant.
Featured Plants
Swan Valley Herbs
For more information on swan valley herbs email enquiries@swanvalleynursery.com.au
Contact
Water Corporation
629 Newcastle Street
Leederville WA 6007
Switchboard Ph: (08) 9420 2420
For more tips on being waterwise outside the home visit
www.watercorporation.com.au
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