We have hit a bit of a dry spell recently and our vegetables and flowers may show some signs of stress.

Master Gardener and Jefferson Garden Club Member Jeanne Myers recommends watering plants to an average of 1-1.5 inches per week. 

“The other tip is to water the soil at the base of the plant (and) not the plant because that can cause issues with disease. Don’t water when it’s in the middle of the day when it’s really hot right now. That can kind of almost cook the plant. Really the ideal time to do your watering is early in the morning when the temperatures are still cool. And that way any water that gets on the plant has the whole day to dry off before nighttime and cooler temperatures come when it might turn into a disease.”   

Myers suggests if you are unsure if your plants need to be watered, stick your finger three inches into the soil and if it is dry that far, then it needs to be watered. She adds too much watering can lead to the plant drowning.