Sure, anyone can pour water on a plant, but it takes time and experience to know how plants use that water and all of the variables that can be in play. The type of plant, its size, the soil texture, sun exposure, recent weather, time of year and time of day are some of the variables that affect how you should water. Don’t just water like a robot, giving the same treatment to all areas of your garden. The amount of water a plant needs is constantly changing, so pay attention to them.

The American horticulturalist Liberty Hyde Bailey wrote in 1917, “the watering of plants usually exhibits the skill, or the lack of it, of the gardener. It is a practice that cannot be well explained in print.”

But to get a head start on your experience, we are here to expand your knowledge with these best practices.

Check the soil before watering- the best moisture meter is your hands. Push you finger into the soil. Chances are the surface may look wet, but go down a few cm’s and it can be bone dry. If still moist, leave it a day or so, but if dry get to watering.

 

Water where the roots are- Don’t spray down the leaves of your plants, but instead focus of the soil level. Keep applying until the entire root ball is thoroughly soaked and remember that the roots will be at least as wide as the plant and could be fairly deep, up to a 30-60cm in some cases.

Water in the morning- this is the best time. This hives the leaves time to dry out if they do get wet and stops many plant dieses from taking hold. If you can’t do the morning then evening, is the next best option.

Water slowly- having the hose on full blast will just cause it to all run off and not give it time to soak in properly.

Make every drop count- using a watering wand, drip irrigation or soaker hose helps direct water right to the root zone. Watering early or late in the day minimizes moisture loss due to evaporation and if you can shield plants from the wind too, that’s even better.

Don’t overwater- oxygen is as important as water, so it is best to let plants dry out a little between watering. Watering deeply and less frequently will also train your plants to send out strong root structures helping to support them.

Don’t let them go too dry- it’s a fine line but necessary. Plants will wilt in the middle of a hot day to conserve moisture, but should perk up again when the evening comes. If the soil gets too dry, the fine hair-like growths on the ends of the roots will be damaged and then your plants will have to expend energy to regrow them instead of growing leaves, fruit and flowers.

Mulch- Covering your soil with a layer of organic mulch such as compost, shredded leaves or straw will help the soil retain moisture. If you lay it too thick though, it can inhibit the water from reaching the soil.