Gardening News

While the sunshine gives us the chance to enjoy our garden, it does mean we have to pay some attention to watering. A few simple shifts in your daily routine can be the difference between a stressed border and a breathtaking display.

Getting the Timing Right

I always prefer to water in the early evening. There is less loss due to evaporation at this time, and the water has a genuine chance to penetrate more deeply into the soil before the heat of the next day arrives.

Some gardeners would disagree, preferring early mornings to avoid wet plants standing overnight in a humid border. However, if you make sure you water low and slow at the base of the plant and finish your rounds before nightfall, you will avoid this problem entirely.

Paul’s Tip: Try and avoid watering during the hottest time of the day. For some plants, water droplets on the foliage can burn their leaves in direct sunlight. Always have a thought to the aspect of your border, whether it is sitting in full sun or shade.

Quality Over Frequency

I have always been taught that it is better to give everything a good soaking every couple of days rather than a quick sprinkling every day.

We don’t want to make it too easy for them! Roots should be actively encouraged to grow deep to seek out moisture, rather than just spreading lazily at the surface level. Your lawn is a perfect example of this rule in action.

Of course, it is easy to get overcomplicated with gardening advice. At the end of the day, some water is always better than no water at all.

Enjoy your garden,

Paul Blom