Question
In the vegetable fact sheets it make watering suggestions such as "water 1-2" per week" how much water is 1-2" per week? Also, Can I use blood meal for nitrogen to side dress tender plants?
Answer(s)
The most important thing about watering is getting enough water to the root zone, so that the soil is not saturated, leaving oxygen in the soil for root and plant growth. This 1-2" is adapted from overhead sprinklers heads that usually have an output measured in inches. Difficult to give watering recommendations in general because everyone has different irrigation systems, different soil types, different microclimates.
Perhaps this USU publication on irrigation may help. Click on http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/ENGR_BIE_WM-37.pdf
Best is using drip irrigation for vegetables, depending on your soils, getting enough water to root zones. Better to water less frequently and deeper. In sandy soils, you'll need to water more often whereas in heavier clay soils, not so often. With drip irrigation, you can usually water deeply and get by with one to two times a week, depending on air temperatures & wind.
Blood meal can be used, but can burn plants, better to use it sparingly when side dressing.
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