As summer approaches, keen gardeners will be starting to think about sprucing up their gardens ready for the warmer weather. Planting new seeds for flowerbeds to trimming back trees and giving the patio a sweep is all part of the fun of getting your garden summer ready.
But according to one gardening pro, we may all be watering our plants wrong, and it could be the reason we’re not getting the type of blooms we aspire to have.
Gardening expert Joseph Clark took to his Instagram to reveal his best tips for watering potted plants – and why people may be doing it all wrong.
The keen gardener said pots and containers are a great way to grow crops, plants, flowers and even trees, but there is often one mistake we all make when it comes to watering them. He said they can be great for renters or those who have limited space, but urged people to be careful when watering your pots from the top.
Most containers will have a slight gap between the soil and inner side of the pot and Joseph said this is “especially the case with plastic pots” and explained that a water will always “travel down the path of least resistance, it will funnel down the sides of the pot and out the drainage hole in the bottom. This can sometimes leave the middle of the root ball dry.”
“Although the soil may seem saturated, dig a little bit deeper and it can often be bone dry,” Joseph explained. He then advised: “So instead, try filling up a large container with water and place your plants straight in.
“The soil will absorb up the water through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot helping to give your plant an even drink all the way throughout.”
For larger containers, Joseph suggested burying a smaller pot in the middle and water directly into this. This will get the water straight through to the roots. However he added: “Obviously we all water from the top, myself included, and it is absolutely fine to do so. Just take the time to make sure the water has gone where you wanted it to go, by poking a finger down into the soil.”
For those who are a fan of hydrangeas, there is a secret trick to keep them lasting longer – and it’s all thanks to one simple and natural item that can keep them hydrated. If these fragrant flowers aren’t given enough water throughout April, it can cause their roots to weaken, leading to undeveloped shoots and lacklustre blossoms.
Louise Findlay-Wilson, a Cotswold gardener and founder of Blooming Lucky, has revealed an incredibly easy way to ensure hydrangeas stay moist. Simply scattering dead leaves into the soil can give them a much-needed surge of nutrients.
As reported by the The Express, Louise advised: “I mulch my hydrangeas every year in the spring after pruning them, using homemade leaf mould. This is ideal as I’m not trying to provide nutrition. I’m just trying to condition the soil and help retain its moisture – important for my thirsty old hydrangeas!”
Leaf mould can be one of the most effective ways to give your hydrangeas a boost. One of the most major reasons for this is because of its high capacity for water retention, which means that you don’t have to constantly water your hydrangeas to keep them hydrated.
Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com
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