[Siouxfly]

Is there a general rule of thumb for how much to water veggies?
It's been threatening to rain here for days and all we get is a sprinkle or two so should I be watering my beds or not?
This feel like the daftest question but I'm just unsure as I don't want to drown things!
I've got carrots, parsnips, garlic, onions, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, brussels, potatoes etc all doing well and I noticed after the last real rain that they all visibly grew loads so water or not?
Thanks

[mumofstig]

To see if you need to water, dig a small hole a couple or three inches deep...if the soil is moist at this level, there is no need to water.

If you do need to water it is best to go for a good soaking rather than little and often.
applying only small amounts, just wetting the top, causes the plant roots to turn towards the surface in search of water, rather than grow downwards.

[sunshineband]

Try poking your finger into the soil to see how dry/damp it is under the surface. if it is very dry, and you decide to water, then give a good soak, rather than a sprinkle, as otherwise you will encourage roots to seek water near the surface instead of growing downwards.  

Careful not to wash seedlings away -- I water alongside the row if needed rather than over them, with plenty of water.

Hope this helps  

[Trillium]

To add to the above, water from below the plants so you're not splashing the leaves and causing problems like scorch from the sun hitting droplets on leaves.

[Siouxfly]

Great thanks guys.   

[sunshineband]

To add to the above, water from below the plants so you're not splashing the leaves and causing problems like scorch from the sun hitting droplets on leaves.

Good point