Vegetable gardens vary as to how much water they need – the best rule is to know your plant types and research their special water needs through garden books, the internet or your local nursery.  However, the following general rules should be useful. 

•  Vegetable gardens generally need to be kept pretty moist – but not constantly.  These plants will wilt fast if they begin to dry out.

Applying a couple of inches of mulch around your vegetable gardens will greatly increase the water retention by reducing evaporation.  It is shade for the roots and soil and often adds nutrients.

• Create a reservoir (recessed area) around the vegetable plants- if practical, to hold water.
• Watch out for bubblers since they put out water at rather fast rates – in gallons per minute vs. drip systems that will apply water in gallons per hour.  A drip system will be far more effective in delivering the right amount of water directly to the spot where the plants need their water.