June from the Potting Shed
June from the Potting Shed – How to water wisely
With the hot dry weather we have been having I think a little reminder on how to water your garden sustainably is required.
Lawns – unless it is a newly sown or a newly laid lawn then do not bother watering. It is a good idea to raise the blade on the mower. Longer grass means longer roots systems which are able to reach the water lower down in the soil and stay greener longer in drier conditions.
Newly planted plants – Try to water in the morning and water at the base of the plant around the root system. It is better to give a good soak once a week than dribble a little each day.
Tubs/containers – Try to water in the morning. The pot is cooler and so less water is lost to evaporation. It also means that the plants are able to take up all the water they can before the heat of the day. If early watering is not possible then in the cool of the evening. You may have to use more water in the evening as some containers may have dried out and water will not be retained in the pot so a rewatering may be required. Remember if you are feeding plants in containers the compost needs to be moist for the feed to work properly. Try not to get water on the leaves especially if the plant is drooping.
Fruit and Veg – Daily watering is not essential and it is better to use a watering can or a hose pipe rather than a sprinkler. Sprinklers waste water. You only need to water the roots, not waste water on bare soil. Water is applied at the base around the roots and a good soaking is always better once or twice a week rather than sprinkling a little every day. When you water let the water soak into the ground and then give another watering so that the water reaches the roots. Plants need more water when they are setting seeds/fruits/tubers so this is the best stage to water.
Water butts and recycled water. These are the best uses of water. Try not to use water from washing up systems on fruit and veg. Mains water is fine but make sure it has not been softened as this contains salts.
Finally, feed the soil with organic matter, add mulches, cover bare soil with cardboard, grass mowings, straw anything to reduce water loss from the soil. Your best water storage system is the soil. Do not abuse it.
Geoff