Watering and Plant Grouping in a Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

Paul's 60×10 ft raised bed (south-facing, sandy soil, limited watering) with tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, peppers, peas, melons, plus blueberry and chives. Group by root depth and water need.

Deep-rooted (36+ in): tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe—plant together, water deeply 1–2×/week to 24 in. Shallow-rooted: peppers, peas, cucumbers, corn—second bed, more frequent light watering. Blueberry needs acid soil—separate bed or container.

Measure hose flow: time to fill 1 gal. 1 gal wets 1 sq ft to 1.5 in. Mulch everything 3+ in. Soaker hoses at plant bases. Water pre-dawn to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Corn may need its own block for pollination. Strawberries/raspberries in wood-chip mulch—separate from veggies.

Efficient irrigation = healthy plants + water savings.