Watering

Established trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs. in beds and borders will only need watering in extreme drought. Just water the most stressed individual plants.

• Check for signs of stress – drooping leaves, especially in the early morning, often indicate drought
• Water slowly and thoroughly so that when you dig down, the soil is moist at a depth of 15cm (6in)
• Mulch
  Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. borders with organic matter such as garden compost to help conserve moisture
• Avoid a routine such as “watering once a week”. Plants need different amounts depending on the weather, soil type, stage of establishment and size

Containers and hanging baskets

Check the compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. daily from spring through to autumn, and water when it’s dry 2-3cm (1in) below the surface. Plants used for seasonal colour are often fast growing and have high water requirements.

• See our guide to watering containers
• If you are away in summer, consider setting up an automatic watering system for hanging baskets and containers

During winter, rainfall is often enough to keep containers watered sufficiently. However, in dry, windy conditions, evergreen plants such as bamboo can desiccate, so it’s worth checking them, especially during prolonged dry spells.

Seeds and seedlings 

Use a watering can with a rose attachment to water the seed drill

A miniature furrow typically 1–5cm deep, made with a stick, hoe or rake. It is used for planting seeds or bulbs, and ensures they are positioned at the correct depth and spacing. or border before sowing to ensure moisture is available for the roots as the seeds germinate. After sowing, water consistently to keep the surface moist.

Young trees and shrubs

Water newly planted trees and shrubs regularly during dry spells from spring to autumn in their first year, and large specimens for up to three summers.

• Water slowly, so it soaks in deeply around the rootball
  The roots and accompanying soil when a plant is removed from a container or lifted from the ground.
• Aim to moisten soil to a depth of 20-30cm (8-12in) – where the roots grow
• Plants below tree canopies, next to walls or under eaves in rain shadows may need watering even after rainfall

Herbaceous perennials 

In their first year, water around the base of the plant until the soil is evenly moist down to the depth of the roots – typically 15cm (6in). After the first year, established perennials

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs. usually do not need regular watering. Mulching with organic matter around plants will help prevent evaporation.

 Lawns 

Water newly seeded lawns regularly to prevent the top layer of soil from drying out. Use a watering can with a rose or a hose with a gentle spray. Water newly laid turf regularly, making sure the soil is damp underneath by lifting a corner to check. In warm, dry or windy conditions, newly seeded or turfed lawns may need to be watered daily. After three or four weeks, gradually move to less frequent but deeper watering, and still check the soil moisture levels regularly.

Vegetables 

Many vegetable and salad crops prefer consistent moisture, as they are quick growing.

• Leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach: keep the soil evenly moist
• Root crops such as carrots and beetroots: less frequent watering is needed
• Once plants are established and putting on growth, to keep watering to a minimum, water when drought will affect the part of the plant that is to be harvested
• See our guide to watering vegetables for more information

 Annual flowers

If you’ve sown annuals

Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They are generally easy to grow from seed or can be bought as young plants from garden centres. Annuals are ideal for growing in summer containers and filling gaps in borders. Some examples of annuals include sunflowers, cosmos, sweet peas and zinnia. in spring, they will need watering in dry weather during summer and possibly into autumn. Self-seeded plants and autumn-sown annuals are less demanding.

• Use a trowel to check if the soil is damp at a depth of 15cm (6in) – if it’s dry, water

Use the touch test to check how damp the soil or compost is below the surface.

Timing makes a big difference to how effectively plants use water.

• Watering early in the morning is the best time. There will be less evaporation, and plants can use the water through the day
• Evening watering is acceptable, but damp leaves overnight can encourage pests and fungal diseases
• Avoid watering in the heat of the day – much of the water evaporates before reaching the roots

Watering cans are the most water-efficient method and give you the most control. Use hoses sparingly as they use more water. Sprinklers are one of the least efficient ways to water.

Ideally, use a watering can and apply water directly to the soil or compost above the root zone.

Yes, this is a very sustainable way of using resources. You can use washing up water (grey water) on ornamental plants, and collect rainwater in water butts to use directly on the garden. For more information, see our guide to collecting, storing and reusing water.

How to water your garden wisely