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EmailWith water becoming a scarce and costly commodity in some areas, many vegetable gardeners might wonder just how much water plants really need. Here's a guide to help you estimate when and how much to water, assuming rich, well-balanced soil. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods.
Also, see how to water "smart" and check our our article on The Water-Wise Garden.
| Vegetable | Critical time(s) to water for a 5-foot row | Number of gallons of water needed |
|---|---|---|
 Beans |
When flowers form and during pod-forming and picking | 2 per week depending on rainfall |
 Beets |
Before soil gets bone-dry | 1 at early stage; 2 every 2 weeks |
|
Broccoli |
Don't let soil dry out for 4 weeks after transplanting. | 1 to 1 1/2 per week |
|
Brussels sprouts |
Don't let soil dry out for 4 weeks after transplanting. | 1 to 1 1/2 per week |
 Cabbage |
Water frequently in dry weather for best crop | 2 per week |
|
Carrots |
Before soil gets bone-dry | 1 at early stage; 2 every 2 weeks as roots mature |
|
Cauliflower |
Water frequently for best crop. | 2 per week |
|
Celery |
Water frequently for best crop. | 2 per week |
|
Corn |
When tassels form and when cobs swell | 2 at important stages (left) |
|
Cucumbers |
Water frequently for best crop. | 1 per week |
|
Lettuce/Spinach |
Water frequently for best crop. | 2 per week |
|
Onions |
In dry weather, water in early stage to get plants going. | 1/2 to 1 per week if soil is very dry |
|
Parsnips |
Before soil gets bone-dry | 1 per week in early stages |
|
Peas |
When flowers form and during pod-forming and picking | 2 per week |
|
Potatoes |
When the size of marbles | 2 per week |
|
Squash |
Water frequently for best crop. | 1 per week |
|
Tomatoes |
For 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting and when flowers and fruit form | 1 gallon twice a week or more |
|
Needs a lot of water during dry spells. |
Needs water at critical stages of development. |
Does not need frequent watering. |
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Comments
We live in North Western
We live in North Western Montana and have a greenhouse as well as an outdoor garden. So, in the greenhouse all our garden is in pots, how much water is needed and how often? It seems we are watering daily!
I water my garden in pots
I water my garden in pots twice a day, and on really hot days, 3 times per day.. doesnt take long for the pots to go dry.
I just printed your chart on
I just printed your chart on watering to have as a handy reference. I was really dissapointed in all the extra stuff that also printed including a picture of a hose, 2 add's for your calendar and several clickable links. I didn't need or want to waste resourses, including water used to make the paper and ink, printing usless STUFF and more paper forthe recycle bin. Next time your computer nerds might consider making the chart as an adobe file that could be saved as such and therefore save some resources. I recognise that you must generate revenu so I understand why your web page must have ads but to include them on a chart like this ??? I cut them off to reduce the chart to one page so at least for me it will not work as a reminder when I reference the chart. After all that venting I really do like your websight and info on facebook.Keep up the good work.
Thanks Larry
Larry, thank you for your
Larry, thank you for your feedback and bringing some items to our attention that could improve our web site. I have passed your comments on to our web designers for consideration when updating the almanac.com site.
Technical Support
Larry if you really like the
Larry if you really like the resource then maybe learn to us pen and paper rather than critique free information.
If my tomato container plants
If my tomato container plants are turning yellow ... Too much water?
Larry, its called copy and
Larry, its called copy and paste. Dont waste people's time with your stupid comments because you dont know how to right click.
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