
In the wild, plants get by with the water they receive from the sky, but in the garden, they often need a helping hand. Whether it’s watering in new plants to get the soil settled around their roots, or making sure thirsty plants in pots and containers have plenty of water to stay alive, in many garden situations our plants depend on us to give them what they need – and you’ll need the right watering kit to do that.
All gardeners know how precious water is and that it shouldn’t be squandered unnecessarily – particularly in a summer drought. It’s essential to prioritize what you water when it’s hot and dry – brown lawns don’t need to be watered; they’ll green up again the moment rain returns, but a tomato plant in a container won’t fruit very well if you leave that to dry out.
Wise watering for your garden means that you should avoid doing it in the heat of the day when much of the water will evaporate; do it early in the morning or in the evening when conditions are cooler. Equally important is collecting and saving rainwater, so you don’t have to use drinking water from the tap on plants.
Water butts on downpipes capture rainwater that can be used to water precious plants or edibles when rain refuses to fall, while serious water savers can install large underground water harvesting tanks. Recycle ‘grey’ water from the house too – in a bad drought, keep a bucket in the bottom of the shower to collect water or use it to scoop water from the bath.
If you’ve ever used a poor-quality watering can, you’ll know that it’s worth investing in a really good one. Badly balanced handles that make water slop out over your feet, ill-fitting roses that fall off when you start watering so a surge of water sends seedlings asunder… all can be avoided by choosing well.
The Warley Fall has the longest reach of the Haws range and is the longest they have ever used, enabling them to reach beds and borders without having to lean in. It has been cleverly designed to carry more water per fill whilst maintaining balance.
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Another option is the Whitefurze 6L watering can with detachable sprinkler, which is lightweight and easy to dash around the garden with.
Hose pipe bans excepted, the best garden hoses are invaluable for making watering less laborious than lugging watering cans up and down the garden path. Modern innovations mean there’s a bewildering array of different hoses to choose between, but the most important thing to tick off your checklist is its length.
Make sure you buy one that’ll reach the parts of the garden you need it to.
A garden hose reel is also essential for storing your hose when it’s not in use, helping to extend its life and prevent irritating kinks.
An essential addition if you want your hose to function to its full potential is a spray gun, which allows you to direct water exactly where it’s needed.
Irrigation kits are also handy if you’re going away on holiday in the height of summer and don’t want to return home to a garden of dying plants.
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Mulch is essential if you want to cut down on the watering you need to do, and give plants the best chance of survival in extreme heat and drought. Spread a thick layer on the surface of the soil in spring – preferably after lots of rain has fallen – and it will help trap that moisture in the soil and stop it evaporating.
We like Lakeland Gold available from Marshalls Garden, and do also consider growing more plants that don’t rely so heavily on being regularly watered – drought-resistant planting conserves water and makes our lives as gardeners easier since it doesn’t need as much molly-coddling and attention.
Considering the bigger picture, using the right watering kit and techniques can significantly reduce the amount of water used in gardens, which is especially important during times of drought. By adopting these methods, gardeners can help conserve this precious resource while still keeping their gardens healthy and thriving.
With the right combination of watering cans, hoses, reels, spray guns, and irrigation kits, gardeners can ensure their plants receive the right amount of water, reducing waste and minimizing the risk of overwatering. As the summer months approach, it’s essential to be mindful of water usage and take steps to conserve it, and with the help of these tools and techniques, gardeners can enjoy a beautiful and thriving garden while also doing their part for the environment.
Proper watering techniques are key for a healthy garden.
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