We had some nice rain this past week—about three-quarters of an inch. My garden thrives on rainwater. It’s the beginning of July and I still have peppers and tomatoes growing.
But now that there’s no rain in the forecast and it’s expected to be well over the 100-degree mark over the weekend and into next week, what should I do?
Well, it’s time to rely on my city tap water. But didn’t I just write that it’s time to pray? Which one is it?
Although I should pray for rain, I’m also using prayer as my timer—to know how long I should water each plant.
It’s said that most plants need about an inch of rain per week. Of course, hotter climates may need more, and raised gardens with good soil drainage will definitely need more.
In hot Texas with well-drained raised beds, I need to water a minimum of every other day. During the 100-plus degree days, I will water daily.
To test how much water I’m giving my plants, I’ve got a cute 1-inch-square rain gauge that sits in my garden. You can also use an empty cat-food or tuna fish can to measure your inch. Put your hose sprayer on the shower setting and lightly spray until your one-inch can fills.
I can prayerfully meditate on Scripture if I say the Hail Mary (Luke 1:28 and Luke 1:41-45) or the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:2-4 and Matthew 6:9-13). Usually, while praying one Hail Mary my plants receive an inch. I can say an Our Father to get a bit more than one inch sprinkled upon them.
Now, remember, this is enough water for just that small spot. You’ll then need to go to the next area and spray for the length of a prayer. Often, you may need to spray around the plant to get water to the roots that reach away from the plant.
If it’s rose bush planted in the ground, I may need to say a decade of the Rosary–one Our Father and ten Hail Marys.
Because plants don’t like chlorinated water on their leaves in hot weather, it’s best to water the ground and avoid the leaves. Also, avoid hot and cold extremes of water that can shock the roots. Let the hot water run out of the hose before applying the water to your plants. If your water comes out cold, it’s better to fill up buckets and let them acclimate to a moderate temperature. If it sets out for a few days, evaporation will also remove the chlorine.
So, happy watering and praying this summer!
Hail Mary, full of grace
The Lord is with thee (Luke 1:28 NAB).
Blessed art thou among women
And blessed is the fruit of your womb (Luke 1:41-45), Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed by thy name;
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen.
