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Watering vegetables
During summer, irrigation is the key factor if you want to grow quality
vegetables. A few examples illustrate this point.
 Beans require more frequent irrigation than most other
vegetables for optimal production. Beans in the blossom- and fruit-growth
stages use the most water of any vegetable. Depending on temperature and
wind, beans may use one-half inch or more of water per day. 
Blossom drop
and reduced bloom indicate that beans have been too dry at some time. Even
with adequate soil moisture, hot winds can cause beans to drop their
blossoms. Tadpole-shaped beans, that is beans that are fat at the top and
skinny at the end, are another symptom of water stress.
Water stress on corn will delay silking but not tassel development. In
such cases, pollen shed from the tassels may precede silking. The result
is poor pollination. With a little water stress, the ear may not fill out
fully. Some ears may not develop at all.
 An
even-moisture supply also enhances the flavor of leafy and root
vegetables, as well as cole Crops like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
Potatoes become knobby if they become too dry, and may decay in the ground
if kept overly wet.
Even a short lapse in providing moisture greatly influences the quality
of harvested vegetables. Avoid problems by watering vegetables
consistently.
For "Water absorbing polymers" refer to message number 1611.
For "Watering Colorado soils" refer to
message number 1621.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension fact sheet(s).
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