It is a common sight to see people out in their gardens during the summer evenings with a watering can, hosepipe or sprinkler. Quite often it is something which we do without really thinking about it. Are we actually doing the garden any good or are we just wasting precious water?

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Watering Your Lawn

Did you know that the most common cause of lawn problems during hot periods is over watering? It washes away soil from the roots, then the water evaporates, leaving the sun to burn the grass, the temptation is to water the lawn further and the situation worsens. Moss and clover also thrive on extra water.

• Keep your lawn mower blades higher than normal to retain moisture in the grass.
• Lawns which go brown will recover.

Watering Your Plants

Did you know that excess watering is as bad for your plants as insufficient watering? Over watering encourages weeds and can starve plants of oxygen. Not enough water in the right place can also encourage shallow rooting and slows down growth.

• If possible position plants at a wider spacing.
• Add organic materials which increase water retention - manure or compost at the time of planting.
• Target individual plants with a watering can directly onto roots.

Watering Your Vegetable Garden

Did you know that unnecessary watering of your vegetables means inferior produce? Unnecessary watering can produce bigger plants without increasing the size of the part which we eat and it can also reduce flavour. Vegetables, like all crops, need moisture at sowing time and watering-in when transplanted. After that, they should be watered only when necessary.

• Vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, swedes, carrots, asparagus and onions need very little water.
• Crops like cabbages and lettuce grown for their edible leaves require more frequent watering.
• Fruiting vegetables like peas and beans respond best to more frequent watering at and just after flowering and when pods are swelling.
• Tomatoes, cucumbers, marrows and leeks need watering throughout their growing season.
• Harvest crops when they are ready so that the plant does not have to bear unnecessary weight.
• Herbs prefer a dry soil and are more aromatic as a result.

Folkestone & Dover Water Services Water Butt Promotion  (PDF 560KB)

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