Most of us would love nothing more than a long, hot summer, but our garden may not be so appreciative. When the weather is hot, we have a tendency to simply water our garden five times more than usual. Unfortunately, it is rarely that simple, and it is not a good idea to waste so much water either. With that in mind, read on to discover more about saving water in your garden and keeping your plants happy this summer.
Watering plants the right way
Firstly, you need to make sure that you are watering your plants properly, otherwise you will waste a considerable amount of water. Many people make the mistake of lightly sprinkling water over the top of their plants. In fact, you need to give the plants a long watering at the roots. Why? Well, if you go for the former approach, there are three clear problems. Firstly, fungal infections are more likely to occur when there is moisture on the leaves. Secondly, individual droplets can cause the leaves to burn, as they act like small magnifying glasses. Finally, the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots.
Groups
You can save water by cleverly grouping containers and pots together. By massing them together, you will lower water loss, as transpiration that comes from the leaves generates a humid microclimate around the grouped containers and pots.
Keep water in the soil by mulching
Mulch is important for any garden. This is a thick layer of organic matter that is placed on top of the soil. It is designed to suppress weed growth, keep water in the soil, and prevent loss of water through evaporation. Bark chippings and garden compost are two examples of effective mulch. During the summer, mulch will ensure that you do not need to use as much water while keeping your plants satisfied too.
Invest in an irrigation system
Now would be a good time to invest in a garden reticulation system. The great thing about these systems is that you have complete control regarding when your garden is watered, leading to optimal water usage. Not only this, you can also preserve soil structure and nutrients while preventing weeds and disease. You may be wondering how to see your irrigation system up; when is the best time to water plants? There are benefits associated with watering your plants in the morning and evening.
Concerning morning watering, you will eliminate the risk of water puddling happening during the night. This would cause your plants to become an attractant for common garden bugs. On the other hand, you can ensure your plants are fully hydrated before the sun comes up in the morning if you water your plants during an evening.
Overall, water management during the summer months can seem difficult, but it does not need to be. If you follow the tips that have been mentioned above, you can be sure that your plants will flourish while you save water at the same time.
