Summer watering

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Watering is important to keep your garden healthy and resilient during the heat of summer. But it's not always straight forward, and sometimes we end up accidentally killing our plants by watering too much or not enough. Here's a few tips on how to water your garden in summer.

  • Watering deeply every few days is usually better than watering every day. A deep watering will encourage roots to dive down to seek out the water and will build larger, healthier root systems that will help them survive when it’s dry. (A veggie garden that is actively producing food will most likely need daily watering).

  • Pots need to be watered daily, and possibly more than once a day if it’s very hot and windy. Terracotta pots will dry out a lot faster than plastic pots.

  • Don’t water in the middle of the day – you will lose water to evaporation. It is much better to water in the morning or in the early evening.

  • Note that if you water in the evening, plants that are still wet when the sun goes down can be susceptible to fungal diseases so try not to water the leaves if watering in the evening - aim the water at the soil and avoid the foliage.

  • Better still, have an irrigation system installed that can deliver water slowly and efficiently to the plant root zone without you having to remember to do it.

  • Trees need to be watered right out to the drip line of the canopy rather than just at the base of the trunk.

  • Succulents need water too! Water deeply once a week in the morning if the soil is dry (make sure they are draining freely). If the soil feels moist then wait a couple of days.

  • Watch the soil surface when you are watering. If the water seems to pool on top and doesn’t absorb, scratch the top of the soil. If it’s dry under the top layer, your soil is hydrophobic and your plants are not getting any water in their root zone. Wetting agents can help with rehydrating the soil.

  • Newer plants will need more water than established plants while their roots are establishing.

  • While native plants and drought tolerant plants can survive dry periods much longer, they still need to be watered, particularly young plants that are trying to establish themselves.

  • Mulch on the garden beds will help the soil stay moist for longer.

  • Finally, don't forget to leave some water out for wildlife. Your neighbourhood birds, reptiles and bees will appreciate it!