Watering plants

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Without a supply of water plants die as they are unable to keep cool and absorb food.

There are some shrubs and trees that are more susceptible to drought than others and with these extra care must be taken.

How to ensure adequate water

Soil preparation prior to planting is very important, and if plants are to be grown in containers the right potting compost must be used.

Soil should be dug as deep as is practical and between 23-50cm (9-18in) is normally ideal. Digging lets in air, as well as water, to prevent root suffocation.

Water-retaining polymer granules can be added to compost or soil prior to planting but be careful to follow the manufacturers recommendations closely.

Adding organic materials

Poorly drained soils will prevent plants from absorbing the food they require by water logging their roots, therefore good soil preparation by digging or the introduction of drainage may be necessary.

Adding organic material to the soil such as well-rotted farmyard manure, garden compost, spent mushroom compost, coir, peat or peat alternative, will all help act as a sponge to retain the rain or watering.

Mulching

Poorly drained soils will prevent plants from absorbing the food they require by water logging their roots, therefore good soil preparation by digging or the introduction of drainage may be necessary.

Providing a mulch of one of the organic materials or Cocoa Shell to a depth of 4-5cm (11/2-2in) will help prevent drying out as well as keeping the soil surface open and able to absorb rain or watering.

Applying water

At some time water may have to be applied and this can be done a number of ways and applying it correctly is amongst one of the most important jobs in the garden.

Watering can

Watering cans come in many types but the best is one with a long spout, possibly fitted with a fine watering can rose. The spout and the rose both slow down the water flow rate and leads to less soil disturbance and possible root or plant damage.

Sprinklers

Whenever sprinklers are used it is preferable not to use them during the heat or in sunny periods as this can cause leaf scorching. More importantly the water applied has more time to be absorbed in the soil when applied in the cool of the evening or in the early morning.

Trickle or soaking hoses

Trickle or soaking hoses may be used which allow very small amounts of water to be delivered over an extended period of time. Alternatively more permanent sprinkler systems can be installed.

Root watering

In the garden 5-8cm (2-3in) diameter pipes or plastic soft drink bottles with the bottoms cut off can be sunk in the soil alongside trees or shrubs, particularly when they are planted as large specimens. These should be topped up with water on a regular basis.