Q: Multiple plants in my vegetable garden are curling up on themselves, what’s the problem?
A: Our recent heavy rains may have resulted in waterlogged soils that cause root damage due to lack of oxygen. The longer the air is cut off, the greater the root damage. The dying roots decay and cannot supply the plants with nutrients and water. The plant losses vigor and may curl at the leaves and stems, become stunted or turn yellow. Once the soil dries out, new plant growth should come on without these symptoms. It will be vital to use proper watering techniques this summer as the planting season was wet enough to compromise most new root systems.
As a general rule, beds should be watered when the top several inches of soil is dry. Dig down two-four inches with a towel to determine if soil needs additional water. If water is needed, thoroughly moisten the soil to a depth of six-eight inches. In well amended or prepared soil, this should take one to tow inches of rain or irrigation. When daytime temperatures average 85 degrees, water clay soils to absorb water without ponding on the surface. During warm weather, water loamy soils approximately every five to seven days with one to two inches of water. Water sandy soils twice a week. Watch plants and adjust amounts and frequency as needed.
Soil type influences water infiltration rate, holding capacity, and root establishment. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost, peat moss, cotton burr, or manure opens heavy soil so it can receive moisture more readily. It helps sandy or porous soil retain moisture. Vegetable gardens should only be amended with manure in the fall after crops have been removed.
