In this hot weather, how you can make the most of the simple joys of watering

I’VE ALWAYS loved watering my plants. Of all the garden jobs, there’s something tranquil, timeless and even innocent about it. As the arc of water soaks the soil, with the buzz of insects and bird song in the background, a warm breeze on your back, your cares simply melt away in a perfect garden moment.

Frankly, it’s lucky I feel that way because in this record-breaking heat, there has been a lot of watering needed! Without a doubt, it’s one of the most important gardening jobs.And as lawn-growth slows in the heat, time spent keeping your patch of grass in trim is swapped for hydrating the rest of the garden.

Either spraying with a hose or carrying brimming watering cans around, pots, greenhouses, grow your own areas and beds are all vulnerable to water loss and need a regular supply.The good news is that the sunshine and heat had got our growing off to a brilliant start this year and I predict a bumper year for vegetable and fruit crops.

Filming the new series, Grow Your Own at Home with Alan Titchmarsh during lockdown, we’ve invited viewers into our own gardens and I joked to Alan this week that, if we miss watering and our plants begin to droop, they’ll be spotted by millions of viewers!

Anyway, here are some of my tips to make it as pleasurable and relaxing as possible – while ensuring your plants don’t dry out.

Firstly, watering can be a great exercise – and lots of gardeners prefer to use traditional cans, because it’s easier to measure how much water plants are getting – but be careful not to strain anything if you’re lugging them about. Stretch first and watch out for slippery surfaces or drips.

Watering with a can is a great way to engage the children or grandchildren, too. Pick up a smaller can and send them off to look after the easy-to-reach pots and containers!

Getting the right amount of water to each of your plants can be a balancing act. In general, the darker the leaves, the more heat they absorb so the more water they need but, obviously, it also depends on how much sun they get, how exposed their position is and what the weather’s like. Plants that sit in the baking sun all day will need far more than those tucked away in a shaded corner.And make sure those sitting under eaves don’t dry out because they’re not getting any moisture. For beds, borders and vegetable plots, you should be watering about 20cm under the soil. Check using a stick or your finger, or by using a soil moisture meter which you can pick up at your garden centre for around a tenner. Simply poke the needle-like probe into the soil (it saves disturbing roots). Moisture depth is important because it ensures the water is reaching plant roots and encouraging deep growth.Always try to water early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation. Spraying foliage in hot sun will risk scorching as well.Also, it’s more efficient to water around the base of plants.When it comes to pots, container and baskets, don’t drown them.A little often avoids the risk of washing away soil and nutrients (add Miracle-Gro moisture control water storing gel to baskets – the gel expands with watering and helps containers stay moist).

If you’ve got water butts, use them, especially if you’re on a water meter. It’ll save money and help the environment. Plus chemical-free rain water is better for plants. Overall, you should try to enjoy the job of watering and get the kids and grandchildren involved. It helps share ownership and recognises the garden as a living, breathing space which needs our help and shows gratitude with growth and beauty.

David Domoney is a leading horticulturist and a star of ITV’s LoveYour Garden