After a wet early spring 2018 the UK had a very dry summer. You are never to old to learn and I picked up some new tips and reinforced some old watering tips.

Dealing with Dry Weather

• Water the plants not the soil in between them. Pay special attention to new plants as their roots are more vulnerable than established plants. Cut back perennials if they look like they might die, be cruel to be kind.
• A wet spring will not leave the soil wet through summer. Chalky and sandy soils will dry out fastest.
• Water the right amount at the right time. A good soaking once a week is better than a light sprinkling every day. Water when it has time to soak down to the roots in an evening or early morning.
• Protect plants from drying wind with a windbreak.
• Let lawn grass grow a bit longer during dry spells and do not bother watering your lawn.
• Don’t bother watering fruit trees once the fruit has started to set and swell.
• Group vegetables together according to their watering needs. Leafy crops, tomatoes, runner beans and potatoes need most water. Courgettes only when they start to swell and asparagus and root crops are more drought tolerant.
• Patio plants need attention and care. The bigger the pot the more moisture the compost will hold. If they are drying out add a drop of washing up liquid the the water and or create a sump in a saucer or tray.
• Don’t let clay soil develop cracks for more evaporation to escape. Add organic compost, mulch and sharp grit.

Make Watering Easy and Effective

• Watering around the base of a plant means some water evaporates before it reaches the roots.Dig a channel between rows and fill with water from a can or use a length of guttering with holes in the sides to channel water where you want it.
• Sink pots into the ground near plants so roots do not need to come to the surface to get a drink. Larger pots for established plants can have an old dish cloth in the bottom to deter slugs and slow down the seepage.
• A mulch of grass clippings or Strulch will slow down evaporation .
• Many contraptions can be created to drip feed or target water to the roots. A half buried plastic pop bottle with holes in the side or try a piece of hose with a funnel.
• Soaker hoses need to be in the right place but are a simple solution to efficient watering.
• Turn off your fountains and moving water when practical.

A Word About Recycled Water

• Adjust water features to minimise splashing and spray drift.
• Use a pond liner near the water feature to capture excess water and channel it back into the sump or reservoir.
• Clean household water can be used in water features as any soap or detergent is not aimed at your plants.
• Rain water is a valuable commodity for watering some plants as it is soft and gently acidic.