How to water greenhouse vegetables in summer? A detailed guide to the latest methods
The most important thing about watering vegetables grown in greenhouses is to both retain moisture and let moisture dissipate; water must not be trapped inside the greenhouse all the time, as this easily leads to some high-humidity diseases. But in summer, watering comes with some different points to note. High temperatures, plenty of rain, and easy drought in summer are the key things to watch when watering. Watering methods and precautions should be decided based on these influences. For the specifics, keep reading below.
1. Watering time
Under the influence of high temperatures, you cannot water at noon or when the sunlight is strong. The ground temperature is very high, and the vegetables are constantly exposed to high temperatures and constantly evaporating water. At this time, the root system and the plants are very weak, and sudden watering easily backfires and may scald the roots. It is best to water in the morning and evening, when the temperature has dropped a little; this protects the root system, allows rapid absorption, and restores growth.
2. Watering method
When watering, do not use too much; flood irrigation and the like will not do. It is best to install sub-film seepage irrigation facilities, or sprinkler irrigation or drip irrigation. The advantage of the sub-film seepage method is that it can directly keep water available for the root system to absorb without dissipating into the greenhouse, and it cannot dissipate. Sprinkler irrigation turns water into water molecules for irrigation, which is good for absorption; it can be absorbed directly through the leaves and makes recovery easy, and if there is drought, it can increase air humidity. As for drip irrigation, it lets the root system have a transition period to adapt to the watering process after drought and high temperatures.
3. Watering after long drought
If summer has had a long drought, the soil will be very dry, the soil solution concentration will rise, and the absorption capacity of the root system will decline. You cannot water too much all at once; you can first water the shallow layer everywhere, observe the vegetables' growth response, and gradually increase the amount of water. Finally, return to normal watering. If it is still high temperature during the watering period, you must also pick the right time to do it. In addition, watering must be continued.
4. Preventing drought
After summer begins, areas prone to drought in past years should prepare to prevent drought as soon as summer starts, for example, covering with plastic film in advance and installing sprinkler, drip, and seepage watering facilities. Prepare shade nets to reduce light and temperature, reduce water evaporation, and protect the growing environment. On every sunny morning, you can spray clean water. Prevent drought and lower temperature. The main thing is to maintain growth vigor.
The main purpose of watering greenhouse vegetables in summer is to lower temperature and prevent drought; this is a main purpose, but the ultimate purpose is all for the normal growth of the vegetables in summer. So summer watering must not be taken lightly. Watering is different from other times. You need to pay attention to watering time and method.