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watering your plantsAs some plants consist of nearly 90% water, the need for consistent watering to maintain the health of the garden becomes obvious. The moment the quantity of water lost through the leaves exceeds the amount absorbed by its roots - the plant wilts. A lack of water could prove fatal. |
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1. Your garden's climate... Consider your garden's individual climate.
Much of the natural rainfall is lost through run-off or evaporation - all newly planted gardens will need watering during the year.
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However, if you decide to plant against conditions in your garden, e.g. moisture loving plants in a dry plot, then you significantly increase your workload. Plants thrive on rain water, especially in areas where tap water contains excess lime, so use a water butt to catch run-off from your roof.
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2. The importance of timing... Timing your watering is very important.
The optimum time to water your plants is either early morning or late evening, for 2 important reasons...
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• Watering in the heat of the day results in moisture lost to evaporation, early morning or late evening watering allows the majority of the water to soak into the soil before the sun evaporates it.
• Water left on the plant in direct sunlight can scorch the leaves - permanently damaging them.
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3. Frequency and quantity... Frequency of watering is the most difficult to get right.
This must be learnt by observation, taking into account the condition of the plant, leaves and the soil around each plant. Mulching with gravel, slate, bark or green waste will help conserve moisture in the soil.
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What is important when you water is the amount. When watering pots especially, ensure the compost is thoroughly wetted, so it soaks through and drains out of the bottom.
Also, soil with a poor structure is less able to hold water, so improving by adding organic material such as well rotted manure, compost or coconut fibre will help to hold moisture in the soil.
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Some more good tips...In your new garden, watering is needed in the first year to establish healthy roots to cope with the following years. In drought conditions it is important to give the plants a thorough soaking, to encourage the roots to grow deep by following this water into the soil. |
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Click the Icon to open this How To guide as a PDF document and print out... |
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