While the garden looks fabulous and things are certainly growing, there has been NO sunshine!!
The weather here in Vancouver is just the pits! Check out the forecast - follow the link
This turn of weather has caused me to research the effects of too much water on a veggie garden and how to spot sings of trouble.
Here is what I found out:
While it's important for vegetable plants to receive enough water for proper growth and to produce a good crop, too much water can weaken and even kill them. Some of the signs of an over-watered garden can look deceptively like the signs of one that hasn't received enough water. If you monitor your garden closely, and are aware of the symptoms of over-watering, you'll be able to avoid problems.
Wilting
Wilting is typically associated with not enough water, or extreme temperature changes, but is also a sign of a plant whose roots are struggling in wet soil. You might notice that the leaves are wilted, but in severe situations, the entire plant may look wilted and withered. Wilt from over-watering results from plant roots that are unable to receive oxygen from the soil. This causes plant suffocation.
Wilting is typically associated with not enough water, or extreme temperature changes, but is also a sign of a plant whose roots are struggling in wet soil. You might notice that the leaves are wilted, but in severe situations, the entire plant may look wilted and withered. Wilt from over-watering results from plant roots that are unable to receive oxygen from the soil. This causes plant suffocation.
Mold
An over-watered vegetable garden might turn moldy. If you see mold or moss growing on the surface of the soil, or mold growing on your plants, chances are that you are giving your vegetable garden too much water.
An over-watered vegetable garden might turn moldy. If you see mold or moss growing on the surface of the soil, or mold growing on your plants, chances are that you are giving your vegetable garden too much water.
Yellowing or Spotted Leaves
When a vegetable garden is over-watered, plant leaves may fall off after turning light green or yellow, or they may become yellow or mottled. Weak, spindly growth also can occur.
When a vegetable garden is over-watered, plant leaves may fall off after turning light green or yellow, or they may become yellow or mottled. Weak, spindly growth also can occur.
Rotting Stems or Roots
If you notice stems or roots that are soft and rotten, this is a good sign that a vegetable garden has too much water in the soil.
If you notice stems or roots that are soft and rotten, this is a good sign that a vegetable garden has too much water in the soil.
Wet Soil
A very clear sign that your vegetable garden is getting too much water is wet or soggy soil. Many vegetables--tomatoes for example--like to have their roots in soil that is consistently moist. But your vegetable garden should never be wet or soggy.
A very clear sign that your vegetable garden is getting too much water is wet or soggy soil. Many vegetables--tomatoes for example--like to have their roots in soil that is consistently moist. But your vegetable garden should never be wet or soggy.
I am going to check my little guys out this afternoon and see if there is any signs of water damage. I will follow this post with another focused on how to deal with water damage and how to minimise loss.
Thanks for stopping by,
Elizabeth
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