Watering
One of the most important operations in connection with the cultivation of plants, particularly those which are grown in pots and planted out in glass structures. It is an operation in daily practice at all seasons, and one which often requires the exercise of much judgment and care on the part of the operator. There are numerous subjects that may easily be injured, or even killed, by receiving either too much water, or an insufficient supply, and there are very few plants which do not suffer more or less by being watered indiscriminately at fixed periods, as their condition must vary according to the amount of evaporation which is taking place, and the quantity of roots that are absorbing the moisture supplied. It is not possible to do more than refer to Watering in somewhat general terms, as individual plants have often to receive special attention in regard to it, and different species in a genus also sometimes require totally different treatment in the matter of watering. As a rule, softwooded plants, and all those of quick growth, require more water than others of a slow-growing or hard-wooded nature; but exceptions may not unfrequently be found. Seasons of growth and of rest have also to be dealt with, and the supply of water given accordingly. Soft rain-water is always the best for plants of every description; provision should, therefore, be made for collecting and preserving as much as possible for future use from the roofs of glass and other structures. Water should not be applied to plants at a lower temperature than that to which they are at the time subjected; particularly does this remark apply to such as are grown in heat, or are being subjected to forcing under glass. Even upon plants established in the open ground, cold water has an injurious effect during summer time if applied direct from springs or wells; it becomes efficiently warmed in large, open tanks, streams, &c., exposed to the sun and air, hence one of these sources is most desirable.
Plants in pots, when they require Watering, should be well soaked, not slightly damped; it may not, in every instance, be necessary to keep Watering daily, but surface sprinklings are always to be avoided. The amount of water and the frequency of its application are matters which can only be known from personal experience in dealing with various subjects under cultivation: some require it, in summer, two or three times a day, while others would be ruined were they similarly treated. The time when water is likely to be needed should be anticipated somewhat, so as to avoid having to give it more than is really necessary during sunshine in the middle part of a hot day. In summer, Watering should be proceeded with early in the morning if it is known that the plants will require a supply before the afternoon, the general Watering being given when it is nearly time to reduce the air for the day. Should it become necessary to water in the day-time, a supply should be procured of a temperature equally warm to that in which the plants are growing. Occasionally, a specimen will get overlooked, and will show signs of flagging; it should then be stood in a pail of water until well soaked, and kept shaded for the remainder of the day. In winter, it is generally very desirable to have the foliage of most plants dry at night. Watering is, therefore, best done in the morning only; not that it is always necessary to wet the foliage, but because of the moisture that must be caused by waste on the stages, &c. The necessity for Watering trees, shrubs, &c., outside, of course depends on the seasons and other circumstances, such as recent transplanting, &c. Whenever the operation becomes necessary, it is always best to give copious supplies, and then to mulch the surface with some dry, light material, as this tends to prevent undue evaporation. This method of management is also applicable in summer to fruit-trees, and, indeed, crops of any kind, indoors or out, that are planted in the ground, and require plentiful supplies of water at the roots.