Watering

Watering is one of the most important maintenance tasks that the gardener is required to do on a regular basis. Plants lose water through their leaves all the time so it is vital that roots are replenished, otherwise they will die. In warm weather water is lost from the soil by evaporation, so watering will need to be done more often. Keep a special eye on newly sown or planted plants and those in containers because they run out of water more quickly than established plants that have bigger root systems and are therefore better equipped to take more water from the soil.

It can be hard to ascertain whether plants need watering and over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering. The following is a brief guide to help you listen to your plant's watering needs.

Watering Plants in Containers

In many cases, just looking at the plant will tell you whether it needs water. If compost looks pale, has shrunk away from the side of a container, or if plants are droopy and wilting, they are already seriously stressed and need immediate watering. To establish the watering needs of a plant in a clay pot, tap the container. If you receive a dull "clonk" the soil is moist enough. However, if you hear a clear "ring" it means the soil is dry and you need to water. You can also use touch to test the soil. If it feels moist but not soggy it is all right. If it feels dry, water at once. Also, if you pick up a pot and it feels light, then it needs watering. If plants in containers get very dry it pays to stand them in a bucket so that they can soak water right up into the compost. This is a better method than watering with a can, as the water will run straight through and around the dry compost where it has shrunk away from the side of the pot.

Watering Beds and Borders

Garden soil acts like a wick, drawing up moisture from deeper down, so you don't need to water until roots are in danger of drying out. In fact, a layer of dry soil on top of a bed actually prevents water evaporation as it acts like a mulch. Frequent sprinkles of small amounts of water is bad because it just stimulates evaporation, which will suck moisture from around the roots where it is needed. When you water, make sure that it gets right down to the roots by giving everything a really good soak. Mulching can also reduce water loss as it helps to direct water down to the roots.

When to Water

In hot weather, it is best to water in the evening so it has time to soak in and the plants have time to take in what they need before the heat takes it away. In cold or dull weather, water in the morning so plants can dry out before night time. It is fine to water during the day if you see plants are beginning to flag, but don't splash water onto hairy leaves because the droplets act like mini-magnifying glasses and burn the leaves.

Watering Cans

Hand watering is best because it allows you to take a good look at all your charges. If you see any problems you'll be able to sort them before they become serious. Watering cans allow you to apply water exactly where it is needed, and you can add liquid or soluble fertiliser, and do two jobs at once. Plastic cans are cheap and lightweight, aluminium ones heavier but longer lasting.

Hose

Watering by hand with a hose is the same as with a can, but saves you carrying water! You can also attach fertiliser diluters, adaptors for making a fine spray (a "rose") for seedlings, lances for reaching hanging baskets, etc. The best hoses are professional reinforced 25mm (1in) bore pipes.

Irrigation Systems

There are several types of irrigation system available:

• Automatic systems are particularly good if you have more plants that you can water in a reasonable time
• Perforated pipe. This is a plastic tubing with tiny holes through which water slowly leaks out. Good for running between rows of vegetables or recently planted annuals. It is also quickly removed when no longer needed
• Seep or soak hose. This is a flexible, porous hose made from rubber recycled from car tyres. It can be buried in the ground and left there for a season or more
• Drip irrigation. This is a sophisticated irrigation system used by professional growers. It can be rigged so one or more drip nozzles deliver water to individual plants or containers (the pipes can be buried.) It is a very adaptable system and can be designed to cover any size and shape of garden and also works well in greenhouses and for hanging baskets
• Timers. These allow you to fully automate your irrigation system. It works by fitting a timer between an outdoor pipe and the pipework and lets you control the water flow to a preset programme. Extremely useful for when you are on holiday!

Horticolour can advise you on the best kind of irrigation system for your needs. We also sell a wide range of irrigation systems so why not call into the nursery or look here.

Storing Water

We all want to do our bit for the environment and water conservation is an easy thing to do. Saving rainwater and re-using water from the house is all worthwhile and especially useful during hose pipe bans! Rainwater is free from lime so is good for ericaceous plants in containers in a hard-water area.