With warmer, drier summers becoming more common, how can I water my garden efficiently to keep plants healthy without wasting water?
We are now really into the growing season, with everything starting to flower, so we need to ensure that water and nutrients are not in short supply, slowing down that success. Watering, in particular, is the main factor we need to watch, especially for newly planted shrubs and trees, which need regular watering during the first year, specifically in the first summer.
There are various do’s and don’ts given in the press about when is the best time to water, but I find that an evening soaking is best. It will not immediately evaporate because of hot sunshine, and it allows all plants to top up their hydration, grow and be ready for the next day. The RHS recommends early morning in case water on the leaves overnight can promote fungal disease. Find what is best for you. A lot of plant strength is due to water, so that soft plants that never become woody rely on it to stay upright.
As to how to apply water, remember a number of things: it is generally best to get it directly to the roots, though never forget that after a long dry spell leaf surfaces can get covered in dust, which affects photosynthesis, and so an occasional wash is good for them. One of the best systems is to have seep hoses that drip water by the roots when turned on (you can use a cheap ‘computer’ to do that for you). That has the smallest effect on the water bill.
Mulching is the very best way to retain water and reduce erosion, so keep topping it up. And lastly, always remember that what is now ‘rainwater harvesting’ (ie water butts and tanks) is by far the best source of garden water. Tap water has chlorine in it, and it is generally cold: plant roots and soil microbes may not like that, so let it stand for a while.
GARDEN TASKS FOR JUNE
Keep on top of deadheading to encourage repeat flowering, particularly with roses and early perennials. At the same time, check plant supports, as many will be putting on rapid growth and can quickly become top-heavy. Timely staking prevents collapse and keeps borders looking neat and orderly.
June is a great month to put houseplants outside: they really benefit from light and growing opportunities. Some do not benefit, or simply die if they are truly tropical. Try them in warm, sheltered spots and see how they perform, but keep an eye on sudden changes in weather.
Watch out for woolly aphids on fruit trees, which can suck a lot of sap and disfigure a tree. Use soapy water to kill them and then hose off thoroughly. Regular checking now will prevent a more serious problem later in the summer months.
PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Roses
This is a good time to tour gardens famous for their roses, such as Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, Poole Park and Chideock Manor and then note what is doing best. My latest favourite is the shrub rose Roald Dahl (Ausowlish), which is of medium size, with cupped flowers of a soft apricot or peach that start as orange-red buds. It flowers continuously until the autumn, is almost thornless and has a definite tea rose smell.
Ian Tribe is the author of The Plant Kingdom (Hamlyn). He has taught widely, founded the Wisley Series at RHS Garden Wisley, and currently runs monthly gardening workshops in Ryme Intrinseca, as well as writing and broadcasting, with an occasional gardening slot on Radio Solent
Got a gardening quandary? Drop Ian an email at iantribe@gmail.com
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