Some expert advice on how to water your garden effectively

Water is critical to plant survival. It carries the dissolved nutrients they absorb, is also used in photosynthesis, runs their evaporative cooling system, and even helps them stand upright!  And while splashing it about may seem simple, to do it effectively and efficiently takes some skills.

 

Water ‘target’ practice   

While we all enjoy an evening garden wander holding the hose, it is important to focus your attention.  Grouping plant that have similar requirements together is the first step to watering efficiently. For example, the vegie garden can need more attention and a good drink sometimes more than once a day in summer.  By planting thirsty crops together in one place, you don’t have to chase them all over the yard. If you have tender seedlings or small pots that need to be kept moist, put them nearby so you will pass them by on your daily routine.     

When watering larger shrubs and trees, instead of squirting the trunk, target the fine feeder roots. These will be located where they naturally access a drink, the area directly under the outer foliage line of the plant, known as the ‘drip zone’.  

 

Timing of the day is everything 

Watering in the cool of the morning reduces evaporation loss, ensuring the water has time to percolate into the soil right down to the plant roots. It also means that plants that are susceptible to fungal leaf problems, like zucchinis, cucumbers and roses, will dry off quickly when the sun comes up.  

 

A good place to start

Not all plants are made equal, and in fact many have evolved to withstand long periods of dry, without help from you.  Choosing local species, or those that are adapted to your natural rainfall patterns, can reduce the need to water at all, once they are established.   

The way you water initially can set the plant up for life. Giving plants a splash every day won’t allow water to penetrate the soil, and it forces the roots to grow up near the surface. Instead, water deeply and less often to encourage the plant roots to grow deep into the soil where they are protected from the sun and provide more stability for the plant. 

A good rule of thumb is to water new plants with a deep soak twice a week for the first month, then once a week for the next month. As the roots develop deeply you will only need to give them a good drink in summer or in long periods without rainfall. This is also why slow drip irrigation systems are more effective than an old-fashioned sprinkler. They deliver the water slowly at the roots, and give it time to soak in.   

 

Watering isn’t everything

Over time as you get to know your garden and individual plants, you will notice when they need a drink, or when they don’t. If a plant looks thirsty, investigate.  Some plants, like hydrangeas, will wilt in the heat of the day but recover as the evening cools, while others will wilt if the soil is saturated.  A good indicator of overwatering is when the leaves die back in a straight line from the tip.  

Of course, you can use a soil moisture meter but simply feeling the soil surface, or just below, with your fingers will tell you if it is moist or dry.

 

What about troughs & pots ?  

Pots that drain freely may need a drink every day in the warmer months, particularly on windy days. A saucer under a pot can help in the hottest weather but over the cooler months water left in the saucer can rot the roots.  If you have a pot that keeps drying out no matter how much you water it, it is likely time to repot!    

 

Water is the most precious resource we have, and how better to use it then producing productive, beautiful, and cooling gardens for us and for the local wildlife.  And using a few basic rules, and a little swing in your step, you can make the most of it!