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Watering Plants Wisely

萌宠菠菠乐园
2026-05-09 04:05

Established trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials in beds and borders will only need watering in extreme drought. Just water the most stressed individual plants.

Check for signs of stress – drooping leaves, especially in the early morning, often indicate droughtWater slowly and thoroughly so that when you dig down, the soil is moist at a depth of 15cm (6in) borders with organic matter such as garden compost to help conserve moistureAvoid a routine such as “watering once a week”. Plants need different amounts depending on the weather, soil type, stage of establishment and size

Containers and hanging baskets

Check the daily from spring through to autumn, and water when it’s dry 2-3cm (1in) below the surface. Plants used for seasonal colour are often fast growing and have high water requirements.

See our guide to watering containersIf you are away in summer, consider setting up an automatic watering system for hanging baskets and containers

During winter, rainfall is often enough to keep containers watered sufficiently. However, in dry, windy conditions, evergreen plants such as bamboo can desiccate, so it’s worth checking them, especially during prolonged dry spells.

Seeds and seedlings

Use a watering can with a rose attachment to water the seed or border before sowing to ensure moisture is available for the roots as the seeds germinate. After sowing, water consistently to keep the surface moist.

Young trees and shrubs

Water newly planted trees and shrubs regularly during dry spells from spring to autumn in their first year, and large specimens for up to three summers.

Water slowly, so it soaks in deeply around the Aim to moisten soil to a depth of 20-30cm (8-12in) – where the roots growPlants below tree canopies, next to walls or under eaves in rain shadows may need watering even after rainfall

Herbaceous perennials

In their first year, water around the base of the plant until the soil is evenly moist down to the depth of the roots – typically 15cm (6in). After the first year, established perennials usually do not need regular watering. Mulching with organic matter around plants will help prevent evaporation.

Lawns

Water newly seeded lawns regularly to prevent the top layer of soil from drying out. Use a watering can with a rose or a hose with a gentle spray. Water newly laid turf regularly, making sure the soil is damp underneath by lifting a corner to check. In warm, dry or windy conditions, newly seeded or turfed lawns may need to be watered daily. After three or four weeks, gradually move to less frequent but deeper watering, and still check the soil moisture levels regularly.

Vegetables

Many vegetable and salad crops prefer consistent moisture, as they are quick growing.

Leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach: keep the soil evenly moistRoot crops such as carrots and beetroots: less frequent watering is neededOnce plants are established and putting on growth, to keep watering to a minimum, water when drought will affect the part of the plant that is to be harvestedSee our guide to watering vegetables for more information

Top Tip

Keep your plants healthy as you water. Make sure you apply water to the base of plants, not on the foliage. This helps avoid fungal diseases.

Annual flowers

If you’ve sown in spring, they will need watering in dry weather during summer and possibly into autumn. Self-seeded plants and autumn-sown annuals are less demanding.

Use a trowel to check if the soil is damp at a depth of 15cm (6in) – if it’s dry, water

Use the touch test to check how damp the soil or compost is below the surface.

Top five water saving tips:

1. Choose the right plant for the right place

2. Improve soil with organic matter

3. Mulch borders annually

4. Store rainwater from hard surfaces in water butts

5. Use mains water only as a last resort

Timing makes a big difference to how effectively plants use water.

Watering early in the morning is the best time. There will be less evaporation, and plants can use the water through the dayEvening watering is acceptable, but damp leaves overnight can encourage pests and fungal diseasesAvoid watering in the heat of the day – much of the water evaporates before reaching the roots

Top Tip

Deep, occasional watering encourages deep roots and drought-tolerant plants. Train your plants to be “drought athletes”.

Watering cans are the most water-efficient method and give you the most control. Use hoses sparingly as they use more water. Sprinklers are one of the least efficient ways to water.

Ideally, use a watering can and apply water directly to the soil or compost above the root zone.

Did you know?

Outside taps should have a double check valve to meet water regulations. The valve is designed to prevent any contamination flowing back into the mains supply.

Yes, this is a very sustainable way of using resources. You can use washing up water (grey water) on ornamental plants, and collect rainwater in water butts to use directly on the garden. For more information, see our guide to collecting, storing and reusing water.