Re: Water Temperature
>Hi All,
>
>Has anyone experimented with water temperature? I am aware that many heavy
>hitters let their water come to air temperature prior to watering. My tap
>water comes out at 60 degrees. What is the optimum temperature to use on
>pumpkins. I am thinking of using 78 to 80 degree water applied in the late
>afternoon with drip irrigation under black plastic mulch. This would help
>to keep the soil warm throughout the low 60 degrees evenings we get near
>the
>coast of Southern California. With the 4" wood thickness of the raised bed
>and the plastic mulch over the top of the bed, a lot of warmth would stay
>in
>the soil, maybe even over night. I have grown Prizewinners in 50 square
>foot raised beds with black plastic mulch over drip irrigation in the past
>with good success, I wonder if using heated water to avoid cooling the soil
>with tap water would aid in the plants growth? My plants always seem to
>grow better when we get warmer evenings and I thought by watering with
>heated water as opposed to a heating coil would present a more balanced
>environment for the plant? Any information or comments would be
>appreciated.
>
>Steve Freed
>Beverly Hills, Ca
>
Yes, all cucurbuts are really sensituve to water temperature.
I found out first hand when I used some water from a well that was really
cold to water a pumpkin seedling. It wilted FLAT almost immediately. They
really prefer warm water, and this could not only eliminate shock, but
enhance their growth, and like you said keep the soil temperature up. If you
have it as insulated with mulch like you say, the soil might actually be
cooler than it should be, since it would insulate from heat getting in just
as much as it does for heat getting out. But the black plastic should help
some. Probably the optimum temperature for water would be about 80 degrees F
or so. Maybe a little higher when your soil is cool.
60 would be kind of cold, but would come in handy for misting during really
hot weather.
-Steve
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