Planting in wet soil conditions also creates lumpy soil, which is counterproductive to making seed beds with a fine tilth. Large clumps make it difficult to cover all the seeds to the correct depth and creates an uneven surface that doesn't retain a consistent amount of moisture across the bed.
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this: whether you're starting seeds, transplanting seedlings, or getting your plants “established” in their final spots in the garden, their soil should feel like a well wrung out sponge: damp but not wet.
It usually takes a few days after a good rain for the soil to dry out enough that you can start planting.
Plant Seeds Before It Rains
Dry soil is easier to work with than wet soil and seeds are less likely to rot in soil that doesn't stay soggy for prolonged periods. Add in a nice rain shower, and you won't need to drag out the garden hose to water your newly planted seeds.
The results showed that during the summer, plants grow more when given extra water, including natural rainfall.
Every time it strikes, nitrogen in the atmosphere is combined with hydrogen or oxygen to form ammonium and nitrate, two forms of nitrogen. The nitrogen then goes into solution in atmospheric moisture and is washed to the ground in rainfall. Plants then absorb nitrogen from the ground and utilize it for growth.
The duration of the rain is the first aspect that impacts how quickly the ground will dry. If the rain was brief, such as 15 minutes, the ground may dry up in 6 hours and you may be able to work on it afterward. However, if there is continuous rain for 4 days, the ground may take longer than 4 days to dry up.
Water after rain.
Believe it or not the best time to water is after rain, when the ground has been softened and is more receptive. Extra water at this point tops up the rainfall, so it can penetrate further down into the soil. This is a great way to build up meaningful soil moisture.
It's also not necessary for at least two days after it rains, and often for much longer. Determining how long to keep your timer off depends on the speed and amount of rainfall. It is recommended that you do not begin watering again until the top two inches of soil are dry.
No plant wants to be stuck into bone-dry earth.
That's because plant roots need moisture. Not only do they need water to run their physical systems, but moist soil also enables them to root into the ground well.
After the soil is in place and well-watered, level the soil with a garden rake. A level soil will ensure that water flows down and through soil, and will help prevent surface erosion. STEP 2: Rest the Soil – Don't plant for at least 3 days!
Make a quick check of soil moisture conditions by taking a handful of soil from planting depth (or tillage depth if planning on doing tillage) and press it in your hands to make a mud ball. If wet soil sticks to your hand, it's probably too wet.
The soil in your garden should take about a week to dry out after normal watering. If the soil is still wet for more than a week, without outside contributing factors like rain or flooding, there might be a waterlogging or drainage problem.
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.
The best time to water outdoor plants is in the morning when temperatures are usually cooler. This gives the plants time to absorb the water so they can get through a long, hot day. The second-best time is late in the afternoon or early in the evening. Try not to water at night.
This means that a light rainstorm over a few hours, or a heavy shorter rainy period that puts out 1/10 to 1/2 inch of water, is approximately the equivalent of running many lawn sprinklers for about 5 to 30 minutes, and it may provide sufficient water for lawns and small plants for a few days to a week or longer.
If it rains, it's best to wait a few days to allow soil to become semi-dry. To determine if soil is in working condition, simply pick up a ball of soil; if it falls apart in your hand when you poke it, then it is dry enough to be tilled. If it stays together in a ball, then it is too wet and needs more time to dry.
Give the soil a squeeze to check for moistness. If you squeeze and the soil sticks together then it is moist. But if the soil crumbles or it remains in a loose pile as you squeeze then the ground needs more water. Now drop the soil and brush the soil off your hands.
Best Water for Houseplants
Most tap water should be fine for houseplants unless it is softened because softened water contains salts that can build up in the soil over time and cause problems. Chlorinated water is also safe for most houseplants, but if you have a filtration system, that's much better for your plants.
Rainwater is water that has been condensed from the clouds. The first drop is distilled water. But when it falls as rain, it picks up germs, dust, smoke, minerals, lead, and many other atmospheric chemicals.
What happens when your plants get too much rain. The soil can only take so much water. After it's maxed out, the water can pool, flooding your plants and washing seeds away.
Avoid using rainwater for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, or rinsing or watering plants that you intend to eat. Instead, use municipal tap water if it is available, or purchase bottled water for these purposes.