Water

Water availability in the soil is essential for successful vegetable growing and is discussed in detail in the section on irrigation systems. The system provides water through an automated irrigation system for five minutes three times a day, which I have found produces an adequate water supply to grow healthy plants with vigorous growth and fruit production.

Constantly wetting cucumber plants' foliage using a system that provides water from above can encourage disease problems.  For this reason, I used a drip system in the cucumber raised garden.

I also used a low level sprinkler system to ensure that all areas around the stems of the vines receive adequate water.