During the peak months of summer and particularly July, the garden more often than not is in
need of water and it is important to monitor all perennials, shrubs and lawn to ensure they are receiving a sufficient amount. Hanging baskets, container plants and newly planted summer bedding plants are the most prone to drought due to being shallow rooted. Shrubs and trees will be deeper rooted and will be able to source their water supply from further down beneath ground level, that is providing the water table level has not dropped too low from a prolonged period of dry weather. There are two sources of water supply available for use in the garden and they are tap-water and rainwater, the latter being natural and more beneficial as it contains no chlorides and has zero hardness. However, when there is a limited supply of rainwater, then tap-water will be the only option. Ponds and water-features this time of year can drop to a low level and will require the use of a hose for a regular top up to maintain a sufficient level, this will also benefit any fish, particularly with the addition of a spray attachment which will aid in aeration. To maintain a lush green lawn during dry periods can be challenging and it is advisable to water only once a week to minimise wastage. An excellent suggestion by the RHS is to place an empty jam-jar on the lawn and with the sprinkler running for a sufficient time, that is until 13mm (0.5inch) has collected at the bottom of the jar. This is the optimum amount before excess water is wasted as the lawn has now received its required amount. With regards to watering plants, it is more economical and efficient to use a watering can compared to indiscriminate watering by a hose. Water management is extremely important during periods of drought and the essence of this is the method of water storage and harvesting. The most popular method by far is the use of water butts positioned below downpipes which then take the run-off of rain water from various roofs such as garden sheds, greenhouses or even the house. With the water butt raised up on blocks, the tap at the base can be utilised to fill watering cans with the valuable stored rain water. The question then is when is the best time to water the plants and lawn of the garden? The blades of grass will hold moisture in the early hours of the morning, the moisture retreating to the roots around midday. It is a general consensus that to avoid evaporation the best time to apply water is in the morning or evening whilst avoiding the heat of the midday sun. The morning application is the most favoured, this is because the ground will be drier as the day progresses compared to the evening time, equating to a reduced chance of mildew diseases and the arrival of slugs and snails. The final question being: Is it best to water from the top, watering the leaves too, or from the bottom and the roots only? The jury is still out!
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AuthorHello everyone, Green Landscapes Cornwall are sharing with you some ideas about how to implement different features for your garden! Archives
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