This document outlines objectives and provides information about watering plants. It discusses the major functions of water in plant growth, the effects of over and under watering plants, and how to determine when plants need water. It also covers the best times and frequency for watering plants and compiling a list of watering requirements.

2. Objectives
• Recall three major
functions of water in
plant growth.
• Explain two effects of
over and under watering
your plants.
• Be able to determine
when plants should be
watered.
• Discuss the time and
frequency of watering.
• Compile a complete list of
watering requirements for
your neighbor. (activity)
• Research the issues of
water conservation and
local water ordinances in
our area.

3. Functions of Water
• Provides two essential nutrients to plants.
• Keeps plants turgid or inflated.
• Medium for transporting nutrients and food
throughout the plant.
• Necessary for photosynthesis.
• Maintains stable temperature in the plant.

4. Effects of Watering
Plants
Over Watering
• Shallow root systems
• Root rot
• Wilting
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Stunted growth
Under Watering
• Decreased Growth
• Decreased rate of
photosynthesis
• Smaller leaves
• Shorter internodes
• Stunted, hardened
appearance

5. How to Determine When
Plants Need Watered
• Learn plant signal.
• Watch for drought
stress.
• Discoloration of the
plant.
• Lack of turgidity in
the plant or turf.
• Plastic stick method.
• Wetness of the soil.

6. Methods of Watering
Sprinkler
Drip
Surface
Manual

7. Time and Frequency of
Watering
Time
• Early morning hours
• Not afternoon
• Not late afternoon or
early evening
Frequency
• When needed
• Determining factors
include:
– Need
– Soil Characteristics
– Environmental
conditions