Summer in the UK has officially started this weekend and gardeners are being warned not to make one common mistake. According to the Met Office, the meteorological summer starts on June 1 which means that more people will be getting out into their gardens.
However, experts are urging people not to make a common mistake this summer, as it could damage the plants in their garden. Gardeners are advised not to over-water their plants this summer. While you may think your plants need more water during the warm summer months, you may actually be doing more harm than good.
The National Trust says: “You may not need to water as much as you think, especially if the soil is healthy and the ground is covered by plants or mulches.
“Give your plants a drink if they are starting to wilt but don’t just water the surface of the soil as this will cause shallow rooting.”
The experts recommend watering plants early in the morning or in the evening. They also advise gardeners to always water at the base of the plant, rather than the foliage, to avoid the risk of fungal diseases.
If you water your plants too much, oxygen can be prevented from reaching the roots. This can lead to a host of problems, including root rot and damage.
Over-watering can also wash away essential nutrients from the soil and create an environment perfect for fungal diseases to thrive. If you water too much in the heat of the day, it may evaporate rapidly and become a waste.
Experts instead advise gardeners to always check the soil’s moisture before watering. You should also use pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says: “Water in the mornings, if you can, as this is when the sun comes up and plants will start to use water.”
It adds: “Evening watering is also fine, as the cooler conditions mean less water is lost to evaporation.
“Watering in the heat of the day is not a good idea as much water is lost through evaporation from the surface of the soil and the plants will use water more efficiently if watered in the cooler parts of the day.”