Watering tips for your garden

Most people think of watering in the wrong way.

This activity is often used as a method of relaxation where gardeners wander around the garden on a hot night with a watering wand in one hand and a chilled beverage in the other, flinging water around haphazardly, watching it glisten in the fading light.

Yes, it is a great way to relax from a tough day, but this is not the best way to water.

Unfortunately, this method is decidedly ineffective and promotes fungal attack, especially when done in the evening.

Water slow and low

Watering takes time. Whether by hand or by irrigation system, water penetrates the soil or pot best at low volumes over a longer time and should be applied as close as possible to the roots.

A hose turned on full pelt blasted at your plants and the soil is mainly wasted. It runs off, often on to paths or down the side of raised beds, planters and pots, and never actually makes it to the roots.

Take your time – slow and low.

Avoid 'yo-yo' watering

Life is busy and erratic. We tend to water when we can. Sometimes we neglect our plants, then to make up for this period of neglect we flood them, to show how much we care.

Consistency is the key to success when watering fruiting plants. A little water stress can bring on fruiting, but once fruit sets, it’s important to maintain soil moisture to ensure the continued production of quality fruit.

Inconsistent watering can lead to blossom end rot in tomatoes and fruit splitting.

It is also usually the cause of the perennial problem of citrus in containers getting masses of tiny fruit that invariably drop off without even a gin and tonic’s slice worth to show for it.