Critical Irrigation Periods for Vegetables

[farmerbrie]

knowing the critical watering periods for selected vegetables is very important so that you can reduce the amount of supplemental water you add. Generally, water is needed most for germination of seeds, immediately after transplanting, during the first few weeks of development, and during the development of edible storage organs. Following are critical periods for selected vegetables.

* Cauliflower - Head development
* Corn, sweet - Silking, tasseling, ear development
* Cucumber - Flowering, fruit development
* Eggplant - Flowering, fruiting
* Lettuce - Head development; moisture should be constant
* Melons - Flowering, fruit development
* Peas - Pod filling
* Tomato - Flowering, fruiting

[honeylemon]

That's very informative! Thanks for posting!

[vermigiant]

Farmerbrie by critical irrigation period do you mean stages in their development when they need water the most?

If so, I have compiled a list of some critical watering periods of some vegetables:

* Beans and Peas: during flowering and the development of their pods.

* Cabbage, Broccoli, and Cauliflower: during head development.

* Carrots, Onions, and Radishes: during root development.

* Cool Season Vegetables (like greens): during periods of intense heat.

* Cucumbers: from flowering to the development of their fruits.

* Eggplant: uniform throughout season is best.

* Germinating Seeds: water germinating seeds frequently, but lightly to avoid washing them away.

* Melons: during flowering and early fruit development.

* Peppers: from planting to fruit set and enlargement; uniform throughout season is best.

* Potatoes: during tuber set and enlargement.

* Squash: during flowering and fruit development.

* Sweet Corn: during silking, tasseling, and ear development.

* Tomatoes: especially critical during flowering, fruit set, and fruit enlargement; uniform throughout season is best.

[wrigglerman]

Thanks for the info on critical irrigation periods

I read that when a plant undergoes moisture stress during the critical irrigation period, the yield is significantly reduced.

I also learned that two to three weeks prior to harvest, most vegetable crops are very sensitive to drought

[brownthumb]

I really had hard times making my squash to produce fruit as well as my cucumbers..Next time I'll focus on proper watering aside from good soil..Thanks for this post!

[farmerbrie]

Be careful when you water your plants. If possible don't do it nearing sundown because water left on the leaves overnight can be wonderful places for fungus to grow

[John S.]

Yes I totally agree with you there farmerbrie.

As much as possible I do my watering in the morning so that the leaves may have dried off before sundown.

[krissy]

now i know..

I've been trying to wrack my brains why my cauliflowers and sweet corn have lower yields this year. I guess I wasnt quick enough to know the critical irrigation periods and this year is drier and hotter than before.

will do better next cropping season though