How to water your garden correctly: expert advice to prevent common mistakes

Following proper growing conditions, a key consideration for horticulturists is maintaining proper watering routines, season after season. While it’s undeniable that water is crucial to plant growth, it doesn’t make gardeners immune to making watering mistakes.

It is a common misconception that all plants require the same amount of water – different varieties of plants may need significantly different amounts of water. Too much or too little water tends to cause plant growth problems, which can lead to plant failure.

To avoid these problems, gardening expert Muhammed Haq from Norfolk Garden Buildings has provided information on five standard mistakes when watering plants and how to avoid them, reports the Express.

Water pressure too high.

Most homes are equipped with hoses connected directly to the main water supply, which often causes the potential impact of water pressure on the integrity of the installation to be ignored.

The professional suggests that gardeners should “keep the pressure low” to prevent injury to the leaves, disturbing the soil around the roots or destabilizing the base of the plant.

Use an adjustable nozzle and first test the pressure away from the plants before watering them.

Neglecting the use of mulch.

For those planting in patio beds or containers, adding mulch is always recommended. There are numerous benefits, including reduced weeds and better soil health.

However, a notable benefit when it comes to watering is mulch’s ability to retain soil moisture.

Muhammed explained: “The mulch serves as a barrier that maintains moisture in the soil, prevents further evaporation and protects the plants from mechanical damage. It also prevents you from using excessive or unnecessary water, keeping bills low and usage within local water usage restrictions. .”

The gardening guru then highlighted a common blunder, declaring: “Watering at the wrong time of day is one of the worst mistakes you can make” in the warmer months.

He advised: “It’s important to establish a consistent watering routine to get your plants used to. The best times of day to water your plants are early morning, at sunrise, late afternoon or early evening, and then finally late at night before going to bed.”

Muhammed warned: “Be careful – watering them when the sun is at its hottest is harmful as it will probably cause the water to evaporate before they are able to absorb it properly.”

For those who choose to water their plants in the evening, he cautioned against wetting the leaves, as foliage covered in water overnight can lead to an increased risk of fungal disease. When watering plants, it is “essential” to make sure that the water reaches where it is needed most – the roots. Many gardeners fall into the “simple (though significant) mistake of watering only the leaves and flowers,” neglecting the roots.

Muhammed pointed out: “If the water is only on the leaves, it will probably evaporate before reaching the roots where it is absorbed.” Additionally, wet leaves can become a breeding ground for fungal diseases, as these organisms thrive in moist environments.

Gardeners should also be cautious when watering from above because they “risk disturbing the soil,” potentially spreading fungus and bacteria around the plant’s roots.

Watering under or over.

Watering balance is crucial; too little or too much can be harmful. Overwatering can lead to “lysis,” where cells take up so much water that they burst. To prevent this, Muhammed advises making sure pots have drainage holes, avoiding watering before rain and sticking to a schedule.

Conversely, insufficient watering prevents plant growth. Gardeners should keep the soil consistently moist by checking it with a finger an inch or two down.