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Senior gardener warns of common watering mistake that wastes water and weakens plants
As peak gardening season arrives, the rising temperatures mean our plants need an extra drink. However, a senior horticultural expert is warning that many of us are watering our gardens "wrong", wasting water and inadvertently damaging our plants in the process.
Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall and Horticultural Advisor to Platinum Spas said,
“As temperatures rise, many gardeners instinctively reach for the hosepipe more often, but it's not necessarily the amount of water that matters most; it's how you apply it.
Mistake: Only sprinkling the surface of the soil
“One of the most common mistakes I see is frequent shallow watering. A quick sprinkle may dampen the surface of the soil, but it rarely reaches the roots where plants actually need moisture. In hot weather, much of that water can simply evaporate before it has any real benefit.
“Instead, gardeners should focus on watering deeply and thoroughly at the base of the plant. The aim is always to get moisture down to the root zone. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, creating stronger and more resilient plants that are better equipped to cope with dry periods.
Mistake: Watering little and often
“Watering little and often can actually create weaker plants because the roots remain close to the surface where they dry out more quickly. By watering deeply and consistently, you'll use water more efficiently while encouraging healthier growth.
“For containers and newly planted specimens, it's particularly important to monitor moisture levels during warm weather, as they can dry out much faster than established plants growing in the ground.”
For more seasonal gardening advice, take a look at the Month-By-Month Gardening Guide from Platinum Spas Hot Tubs, helping Brits create a thriving outdoor space to relax in.
Images and Text by Noah Mabey
