20 AMATEUR GARDENING 6 JULY 2019with Lucy Chamberlain, AG’s fruit and veg expert
Identify the best times to give plants a drink, says Lucy
Fo cu s o n...Water wisdom
A
CROSS the country, we’re
facing a mixed bag when it
comes to cumulative rainfall.
January was dry for most parts
of the country, whereas March was
predominantly wet. April and May
provided some local peaks and
troughs – so where do we stand now?
Essentially, it’s a postcode lottery!
No matter what state your local
reservoirs are in now, it pays to be
water-wise to avoid possible restrictions
later this summer. There are some
straightforward management methods
that you can apply to your plot (see my
checklist, right, and the panel below), but
it also pays to understand your crops. It
isn’t necessarily the case that continualwatering is best – this can
be wasteful. Instead, focus on each
crop’s moisture-sensitive stages so that
you’re targeting your irrigation towards
the most receptive times.Plan around key stages
Moisture will be most beneficial at these
three stages: in the days, early weeks
and (in the case of trees, canes and
bushes) months and years after planting;
at flowering time; and as fruits, bulbs,
tubers and pods begin to swell. If you
focus your watering on those key stages,
you’ll get the best results.
Notice when your seeds and transplants
are settling in, your peas and beans are
flowering, and when your apples andpeaches are boosting their size. If water
is limited, then these are the key times to
irrigate. And remember to work with the
weather forecasts, as wind can be as
drying as sun, so irrigate on overcast,
still days if you possibly can.All photography TI Media, unless otherwise credited
There’s a right way to water: apply
a slow, steady rate that doesn’t run
off the surface.
Instal seep hoses attached to
automated systems if you don’t plan
to visit your plot at key times.
Increase the spacings between
crops when planting out in summer,
to provide extra rooting room.
Keep plots weed-free; these
nuisance plants will quickly exploit
free space, competing for moisture.
Add water-retaining granules to
tubs, baskets and pots to help lock
onto moisture when you do irrigate.
Sink water reservoirs around
thirsty plants’ bases, such as
courgettes and squashes.Lucy’s tips
The keys to savvy summer wateringThree easy ways you can conserve moisture
1
Mulch: Cooling roots, locking in
soil moisture and stopping surface
evaporation – mulching around
drought-sensitive crops with a 2in
(5cm) thick layer of organic matter
(composted bark or garden compost)
is a brilliant way to keep soil damp.2
Add compost: If you have a light,
sandy plot or one that contains flint
and/or chalk, add a 3in (8cm) layer of
organic matter to the top spade’s depth
of soil to boost its moisture-retention.
That way, any water added won’t simply
drain away, out of roots’ reach.3
Water at night: During summer,
water added in the heat of the
day will often be evaporated off
the surface rather than soaked into the
ground. Water at night or, if slugs and
snails are a problem on your plot, first
thing in the morning when it’s cool.AlamyUse water-retaining gel/granules
to help retain moisturewatering is best – this can
be wasteful. Instead, focus on eacha slow, steady rate that doesn’t run
off the surface.automated systems if you don’t plan
to visit your plot at key times.crops when planting out in summer,
to provide extra rooting room.Focus your watering
of peach trees when
the fruit is swellingWatering peas as they’re fl owering
and the pods are swelling will
help provide good yieldsDon’t
forget!AlamyWater wisely to ensure
your plants receive the
right amount of waterMain image and bottom inset: Alamy