How to water peppers in open ground correctly: instructions with advice from experienced gardeners
Peppers are difficult to tolerate drought. Its root system grows in the surface layer of soil, so it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. Following simple watering rules will prevent flowers and ovaries from falling off and avoid many other troubles.
How to water peppers in open ground
Pepper is a heat-loving crop. However, many gardeners manage to successfully grow it in open ground, even in central Russia. The secret lies in proper plant care, and one of the main aspects is proper watering.
Step-by-step instruction
In order for the crop to develop in accordance with the norms, it should be watered following the recommendations:
- try to get into the hole in which the bush grows, so that the moisture does not spread over the surface of the earth, but gets to the roots;
- use settled warm water;
- supply the liquid in small portions to avoid soil erosion and exposure of the root system;
- moisten the soil from one edge and loosen it from the other, alternating sides.
The loose top layer of soil protects the roots from drying out. It is better to water the soil less often, but loosen it more often.
Frequency and abundance of watering
Water the peppers at least twice a week. For every 1 m² of bed, approximately 11 liters of water are required. In rainy weather this volume can be reduced.
Attention! If the soil is irrigated only once a week, pour up to 16 liters of liquid over the same area.
Types of irrigation
There are several watering options:
- Drip irrigation. A hose equipped with a special filter and drippers is connected to the water supply source. This is one of the best options for watering crops planted in open ground. The soil is moistened evenly and a hard crust does not form on its surface. In addition, water evaporates more slowly.
- Manual watering. A common but rather labor-intensive method, mainly used in small areas. Any containers are suitable for watering: watering cans, plastic bottles, buckets. You can irrigate the peppers with a hose.
- Surface watering. Optimal for dry areas. Grooves are dug between the rows and filled with water. This allows the bushes to consume the required amount of moisture.
- Subsoil irrigation. Pipes are laid underground through which water flows to the plants. This method guarantees uniform moisture and no risk of pathogenic bacteria getting on the leaves.
- Sprinkling. Irrigation devices are placed on the beds to simulate rain. The necessary equipment is easy to find commercially and is easy to use, but in arid climates it will be difficult to achieve the required level of soil moisture.
Features of watering bell and hot peppers
Sweet and bitter peppers must be planted as far apart as possible, otherwise the crops will be pollinated and their taste will be impaired.
Bell peppers are watered often, but not too much. Otherwise, the plant may be affected by blossom end rot.
Hot peppers are watered as the soil dries out. The soil should not be allowed to become waterlogged; the root system may begin to rot. Only warm water is suitable for watering the crop.
Nuances of watering depending on the period
As a plant grows, its need for moisture changes. Monitor your pepper's development to ensure proper care.
Shoots
Plant seedlings in open ground in cloudy weather or in the evening when solar activity decreases. Before planting, moisten the soil well and wait until the moisture is absorbed.
Until the plants bloom, they are watered once every 7 days. In hot weather, when the soil dries out quickly, it should be moistened up to 3 times a week.
Bloom
After the flowers appear, water the peppers 2-3 times a week and only at the root. Otherwise, the pollen will be washed off them. Flowering takes place in several stages, so the soil is moistened immediately after the new buds open.
Watering during fruiting period
During the formation of ovaries, reduce the frequency of watering to once every 4 days, increasing the liquid consumption per bush to 5 liters.
To develop large, juicy fruits, moisten the soil once a week. If there is insufficient watering, the peppers will grow small and tasteless. 10-15 days before harvesting, the moisture supply is stopped: this will allow the fruits to ripen faster.
Other factors
Plants are watered after each feeding - this way nutrients are absorbed much better. Liquid fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks.
Reference. In addition to mineral and organic compounds, nettle infusion, rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, has a beneficial effect on the growth rate of the crop.
During hot weather, water the pepper at least once every 2 days. The volume of water should be enough to reach the very roots. If the thermometer has risen to +22°C, moisturize not only the plants, but also the space between them. In this case, each pepper will have a supply of moisture underground.
Possible errors and their consequences
Overwatering causes irreparable harm to plants. Too wet soil does not allow the root system to breathe. Humidity promotes the development of putrefactive processes and the rapid proliferation of fungi, the spores of which will not be easy to get rid of in the future.
Excessive watering is especially dangerous in hot sunny weather. Drops of liquid covering the leaf blades greatly enhance the effect of ultraviolet radiation, burning the plant.
If the bell pepper gets dry, especially during fruit setting, Ripe peppers will be bitter. In dry weather, light or brown spots appear on the pods and stems of chilies. With severe moisture deficiency, the plant's leaves wither and turn yellow, and it slowly dies.
Tips and tricks
To ensure a rich harvest, follow the advice of experienced gardeners:
- If a crust has formed on the surface of the soil, loosen the soil to achieve uniform moisture in the root zone. It is best to make a small funnel around the plant and mulch it.
- If the soil is sticky and dense, take a break from watering for a few days.
- To avoid ruining the crop with excess moisture, loosen the soil around the peppers and then water them. If puddles appear and moisture no longer flows to the roots, stop watering.
- Leave chlorinated tap water for 24 hours. If the water is too hard, add wood ash - half a glass per bucket of liquid.
- Even in rainy weather, do not forget about irrigation. The exception is prolonged and heavy rainfall.
- The optimal water temperature for irrigation is from 22 to 25°C. You can dilute well water with heated water or collect moisture from containers left in the sun.
- If the soil contains a lot of sand, moisture is practically not retained in it, so water the crop happens more often. To improve the quality of the soil, add compost or peat to it and do not forget to mulch the plants.
Read also:
How to properly water onions in open ground and in a greenhouse.
Conclusion
Peppers are relatively unpretentious, but require proper and regular care. One of the most important conditions for normal development is proper irrigation. Based on weather conditions, the stage of plant development and other factors, experienced gardeners adjust the volume and frequency of watering to get a good harvest of tasty peppers.