How often to water bitter gourds (ampalaya)? Water is essential for bitter gourds to give them better growth. It helps the plant grow faster, and have healthy leaves, a lot of flowers, and fruits. Water maintains the good appearance of the plant and keeps them fresh. The plants will not wither when they get enough water regularly. The hot summer will not affect them much as long as the water is replenished when the soil dries out. So what is the water requirement of bitter gourds?
How Often To Water Bitter Gourds?
Watering is one way of showing care for bitter gourds. Bitter gourds should be watered almost every day especially when the soil is well-draining, it dries faster, and when the weather is hot. The watering frequency depends on some factors and you need to consider those things. There are types of soil that dry faster and these kinds of soils need to be watered more often. So you need to observe your soil and once they drys up, you need to water your bitter gourd plant.
You can water them every day or every other day or even after a few days. The soil moisture is the main factor to focus on to know if you need to water your bitter gourd or not. The bitter gourd needs sunlight to help them create its foods. But sunlight affects the moisture of the soil so when it’s too hot probably the soil will dry, water will evaporate, and you need to water your plant in the late afternoon.
Watering bitter gourds also depends on their age. Young seedlings need little water compared to mature bitter gourd plants. When you are transplanting bitter gourd seedlings, you need to give them water immediately so that they will not dry and help them to be hydrated. When you transplant seedlings and you don’t give them water, transplant shock on bitter gourd seedlings will happen. It will affect their growth and might dry the seedlings when the soil is dry. So make sure to water them after transplanting.
Mature bitter gourd plants have a lot of leaves, longer vines, and more roots. The water will help bitter gourd plants bloom. It takes a few months for the plant to flower and to help your plant to make it happen, you need to make sure the plants are getting enough water regularly. The water will also help bitter gourd plants to fruit eventually. Consistent watering is important so that your plants will grow healthy and produce the fruits that you desire. It is important to be aware of how often to water bitter gourds.
How To Water Bitter Gourds?
To water your bitter gourds, you need to get a watering tool and pour water on the soil. The amount of water to give to bitter gourd plants depends on their size and age. Commonly the bigger the plant the more water it needs. You need to direct water them on their roots and the roots circle. When the soil is moist enough then stop watering.
Watering bitter gourd plants is sometimes challenging. It is because there is a possibility that you will water them wrongly. To make sure that you water your bitter gourd plants correctly, you need to check the soil moisture every time you are going to water your plant. To do that press your index finger 2-3 inches deep in the soil. If you feel that the soil is dry, you need to get your watering tools and give them water.
Aside from the index finger, you can also use a screwdriver tool. To use the tool, push it into the soil, and if you feel that it’s hard to push, you need to water your plants. When the soil is hard, it means that the soil is dry. It will be easier to push your index finger and a screwdriver into the soil if it’s moist.
Watering Tools
If you are going to water your bitter gourd plants, you can use a garden hose. The hose is one of the most common tools used to water plants. It is easier to use and the water flows immediately. The watering hose can also be used to control pests on bitter gourd plants. There is a strong blast coming from the hose and it can remove those pests from the plant.
Another tool is a watering can. There are many holes on the head of it and water flows easily on that part. You can use this tool to water your bitter gourd plant. It can fill a few volumes of water inside.
If you don’t have a garden hose or watering can you can just use a pail and dipper. A pail can hold a few liters of water and it will be helpful especially if you have a wide bitter gourd garden. The dipper will be used to get water from the pail easily. You can use one hand to hold the dipper and use the other hand to scatter the water around the roots.
Does a Bitter Gourd Plant Need A Lot Of Water?
Mature and big bitter gourd plants need a lot of water. It is because they have longer vines, a lot of leaves, and roots. The flowers and fruits will also grow for a few months and they will need water and food. They need more water to keep them hydrated and healthy. Bigger plants have more needs than smaller plants. The size of a plant is one factor on how much water they need. The growth stages of bitter gourd plants will be better when they get their basic needs regularly.
When the summer comes, the temperature becomes hot. The water evaporates faster which makes the soil dry. The watering should be done more often during these periods to keep the plants thriving. Once the summer ends the soil moisture will be longer. Caring is important to have a better lifespan for bitter gourd plants.
When Not To Water Bitter Gourds?
There are times that you don’t need to water bitter gourd plants. When it is raining the soil will be moist. Rainwater is enough and will be good for the plants. You can save water and you don’t need to do anything during these days because the rain works for you. The plants will be happy.
When the weather is fine and you check the soil but it is still moist, you don’t need to water your bitter gourd (ampalaya). Just wait for the soil to dry up before watering again. If you plant your bitter gourd in a pot, you need to water them deeply and make sure the water drains into the holes. Don’t overwater the plant to prevent root rot and yellowing of leaves.
It will be awesome when you are harvesting bitter gourds sooner. Just keep your plants healthy.
It is great to know how often to water bitter gourd (ampalaya). Watering bitter gourd plants is important for them to thrive and grow faster. The water will help the plant produce more flowers and fruits. But you need to be careful in watering the plants to prevent overwatering. When you overwatered the plants it will affect their growth and by being careful it will be prevented.