Time to give thirst aid...
GARDENS NEED MORE TO DRINK THAN YOU THINK, WHATEVER THE WEATHER… BUT FOLLOW OUR WIZARD TIPS TO BE SURE OF GETTING YOURS THROUGH ANY DRY SPELL
WHAT an incredible June we had weather-wise. Record temperatures and uninterrupted sunshine saw us sweltering in offices and shops and longing for some breeze.
If July follows suit, it’s crucial we think about our gardens and keep them well-watered.
When it does rain, there’s a tendency to think that’s “job done”. But unless it’s very heavy, there’s a danger the moisture will only penetrate the top couple of centimetres of soil.
If you don’t believe me, try rubbing the surface with a bit of cane next time it rains. You may be surprised how little has really soaked in.
Trees and shrubs that have been recently planted, hanging baskets, containers and greenhouse plants are most at risk.
But even well-established plants will struggle if left for long without water. Leaves shrivel and scorch, growth – and flowers – suffer and they may become diseased.
So keeping the garden well-watered on a regular basis is an absolute must, and having a plan will make the task more effective.
Some gardeners swear by the traditional watering can. As well as using your waterbutt, it lets you keep track of exactly how much water you’re using – not a bad idea, especially if you’re on a meter.
But while good exercise, it can be backbreaking.
For medium-sized and larger gardens, a decent hosepipe is the way to go. Garden retailers sell a variety of jets for different jobs – I’m a big fan of British brand Hozelock.
Get the right attachment for your needs – just sticking your thumb over the end of the hosepipe will not do. A medium spray jet is the most versatile, gradually soaking the surface without blasting out the soil. To maximise ground penetration, use a broom handle to poke holes in the soil first. These will help moisture seep down towards the roots. Make sure you water at the right time, too. If it’s during the midday heat, you’ll lose some to evaporation. Worse still, on the surface of some sensitive plants the droplets can act as a mini magnifying glass, focusing the sun’s rays and damaging their leaves. Far better to water at night or first light. I prefer a good soak in the evening, allowing plants time to recuperate through the night. Self-watering devices – porous hoses that you lay around your garden and plumb into an outside tap – are a fantastic laboursaver. They can keep a greenhouse, container garden or borders well watered all day. To cover a large area you may need a heck of a lot of hose, but the kind you install yourself are not ruinously expensive.
They also come with timing systems, so you can set them to switch on while you’re away on holiday.
Such mini irrigation systems work wonders if you’re strapped for time.
Lots of garden centres will even fit them for you.
If you have a greenhouse, leave the doors open during the day – remove a couple of panes of glass if you can to let cooling air flow through.
A self-opening window is a must for emergencies – as the material heats, it pushes the window open.
An old sheet hung across the outside – or whitewash – will stop your tomato plants getting scorched.
Dampen the floor in the morning before you leave for work and sit your plants in trays filled with water.
Ditto containers; a proper drenching at first or last light to really soak the soil should keep them hardy.
If you’re away on a really hot day, punch holes in a carrier bag and fill it with ice. Place it alongside – but not touching – bedding plants. The ice will slowly melt, giving them extra water.
When you’re choosing containers, remember size matters.
The more soil, the more moisture it will hold and the less frequently it will need soaking.
Add hydration crystals to soak up moisture and release it slowly.
During especially hot weather, move containers or pots into shady spots.
Pot wheels – essentially small furniture castors – save breaking your back.
To keep your lawn looking fresh in the summer months, let it grow slightly longer.
I’d heighten the cutting blades on your mower by one to two inches.
New shrubs and trees will need plenty of extra watering until they send out their new root systems.
Any plant that’s in flower or producing fruit will need more water too – especially apple trees, tomato plants and chillies.
Remember, it’s never good to feed plants when they’re dry. Only feed after they’ve been well-watered.
Putting out fresh water regularly for local wildlife, such as hedgehogs, foxes and birds, is also a good idea. More wild birds die of starvation in the summer than the winter.
Finally, keep yourself properly hydrated too if you’re out in the heat.
Slap on the sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck – and drink plenty of water.