Despite the fact that we have such high levels of rainfall in the UK, the biggest killer of garden plants is in fact a lack of water. Given the hot and sunny weather that we have experienced in the last week we thought we’d share some tips on making sure your plants can bask in the glorious sunshine while making sure they get enough to drink.

Checking the compost in pots, especially in windy and sunny conditions, is a good indicator of how hydrated your plants are. You can test moisture levels by sticking your finger in and if it feels damp then there is enough water for your plants. In the garden using bark mulches especially composted bark will conserve moisture, reduce weed growth, improve the soil and also keep it protected from damage by inevitable torrential rain.

When it comes to watering, the best thing you can do is take advantage of all of the free water that falls from our skies and collect it in a water butt in your garden, it’s much better for the plants and it’s free! Give your garden a good water a few times a week rather than a little every day and be sure to get out there in the morning or early evening when the sun is less harsh so the water doesn’t evaporate.  If you have hanging baskets then they could do with water every day.

Mike