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Eggplants in open ground should be watered at least once a week. If there is little rain or dry weather has set in, water is given 2-3 times a week. It is best to organize a drip irrigation system. But even if it is not there, water can be poured from a watering can with a special nozzle.
Water requirements
When planning watering eggplants in the open field, it is recommended to carefully approach the choice of water. For such demanding plants, it is best to use rainwater. Experienced summer residents always put large barrels, old bathtubs and other containers on the plots to collect sedimentary fluid.
But if this is not possible, the summer is dry, then you will have to water with plain water. In this case, it must first be defended at room temperature. If the summer is hot and the temperature does not drop below 15 degrees at night, you can pour a bath and leave it outdoors.
At the same time, it is best to plan watering in the open field in the evening. During the day, the water will have time to warm up and reach 25-27 degrees. It is this liquid that is most suitable for eggplant.
How often should eggplants be watered?
Eggplants love frequent watering, because the plants are demanding and grow well only with proper moisture. On the other hand, the soil should not be excessively moistened either. Especially when grown in open ground, the bushes will receive additional moisture due to rain. Sometimes there are seasons when there is a lot of rainfall, so summer residents do relatively little watering.
The regularity of the procedure in the open field primarily depends on the weather:
- If it rains periodically, it is necessary to monitor the weather forecast and control the condition of the soil. As soon as the surface layer begins to dry out, you can plan a new procedure (if no rain is expected in the next 2-3 days).
- If the precipitation is unstable, the weather is variable, the rains are only short-term, watering is done once every five days. Adult bushes can be watered once a week on the weekends, and quite plentifully.
- In the heat, when long dry weather has set in, watering eggplants in the open field is carried out at least twice a week. When the drought is severe, water is given in the “every other day” mode.
The surface layer protects the soil from rapid loss of moisture, and also prevents the active growth of weeds.
Watering methods
There are several ways to water eggplants and other outdoor plants. The classic option is moisturizing with a watering can. But there are more advanced methods, such as drip irrigation. Its advantage is that it provides a uniform flow of water.
With a watering can
This option is suitable for those cases when the landing area is small – literally 1-2 beds. Settled water from a bucket is poured into watering cans with a volume of no more than 5 liters so that it can be lifted without harm to health. Further, watering is done from the watering can in the open ground under the root, trying to get exactly on the ground.
It is not recommended to pour on the leaves, and even more so on the flowers, as they can get burned under the bright sun. For the same reason, watering should be planned for the late evening, in extreme cases – in the early morning. The standard water consumption rate is 10 liters (bucket) per 1 square meter of plantings.
Hose watering
You can also water eggplants in open ground with a hose. The convenience is that you do not need to carry containers – just stretch a rubber pipe from the nearest water supply. In this case, it is recommended to take into account several features:
- Do not use artesian well water as it is too cold. If used regularly, it can lead to fungal diseases of eggplant.
- Also, you can not water under too much pressure – in this case, leaves, delicate flowers and even eggplant stems may suffer.
- It is better to put a diffuser on the working end of the hose. This is a special device that can be bought inexpensively in a store for summer residents.
- The jet is directed strictly under the root, as well as between the rows. You can not direct to the greens.
Drip irrigation
This is the most perfect way to water eggplants in open ground. You can buy tape for drip irrigation in the store. They have a different cross section, which allows you to adjust the volume of water supplied. The optimal interval between the holes is 40-50 cm.
Mounting the tape is quite simple. It is necessary to securely fasten the joints, and then connect the system to the water tap. But even if there is no central source of water, you can simply put a tank or barrel up to 1 m high and use the pump.
The tape is laid out in such a way that it runs exactly in the center of the space between the rows. At the same time, soil moistening is carried out within a radius of 25-30 cm, which is sufficient for each plant.
How to water eggplants outdoors
Proper watering of eggplants provides for different frequencies and volumes at different stages of the growing season. Seedlings need the least amount of water, while adult bushes need the most water during flowering and fruiting. The main recommendations to pay attention to are described below.
First shoots
As a rule, seedlings are watered quite plentifully in the first stages, but in the case of eggplants and other nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes), water, on the contrary, should be given less frequently. It is enough to do this once every five days, making sure that the topsoil has time to dry out. Otherwise, a black leg may appear, due to which some of the seedlings will die.
Watering eggplant after planting in open ground
After the seedlings have been transplanted into open ground, watering is given at least once every five days (if there is no rain). Water is consumed in the amount of 1 liter for each seedling. If five plants are placed per square meter, respectively, you need to spend about half a bucket (5 liters) of water.
You can also irrigate with a drip irrigation system. In this case, water in the open ground is given 2-3 times a week, making sure that the surface layer of the soil does not become too wet. If everything is done correctly, the plants will give foliage, quickly gain green mass, after which they will form the first buds.
Watering eggplant during flowering
During the flowering period, watering eggplants in the open field is given in the same mode, i.e. at least once every five days. But the volumes are beginning to increase – 1,5-2 liters are spent on each plant. Standard consumption rate – a bucket of water (10 l) per 1 m2. In this case, the liquid should be warm, since at this moment the plants are especially sensitive to temperature changes. If you give cold water, the yield will drop markedly.
How to water eggplant during fruiting
Watering eggplant during fruiting is carried out at least twice a week. At the same time, the consumption is exactly the same – up to 10 liters per 1 m2. In July and August, it is desirable to irrigate in the late evening or early morning. At the same time, in the second half of summer, watering can be reduced to once a week. At the same time, the same consumption rate is observed.
How to water eggplants in the heat in the open field
If hot weather is established, watering is done at least twice a week. In some cases, it is justified to water three times, i.e. in one day. At the same time, it is necessary to control the condition of the soil in the garden in the open field, as well as monitor the weather forecast. The maximum consumption rate per plant is 2 liters. At least 10 liters are spent per square meter.
Common mistakes
When watering eggplants in the open field, beginners and even experienced gardeners can make various mistakes, for example:
- Use of cold water – often observed when using a hose. The liquid should be taken only settled, better – warmed in the sun.
- Too frequent watering at the stage of germination, as well as after transplanting into open ground. During this period, water can be given every 5-7 days.
- Watering with strong pressure from a hose.
- Contact with leaves, flowers and ovaries.
- Planning a procedure without taking into account the weather forecast. For example, if there was a drought, but there will be heavy rain, it is not worth moistening.
Conclusion
Watering eggplant in open ground is necessary quite often – usually 1-2 times a week. Do not think that the more water you give, the better the plants. In fact, it is necessary to comply with the norm, as well as follow the weather forecast.