Hone your watering technique

There are times when you think you’ve watered your plants adequately, but the moisture isn’t getting through. Other times, the plants didn’t really need a drink, or you watered at the wrong time. Here are some tips to get it right.

• Don’t water unless you have to. Monitor the condition of your plants. If you suspect they need a drink, push your finger down through the mulch and into the soil to check the moisture level.
• Watering in the morning or evening is always the most effective, but avoid watering disease-prone plants, such as roses, in the evening.
• Remember where you want the water to end up – the roots! Water directly into the root area, allowing enough time for the water to penetrate. An application of a commercial soil wetter can encourage the water to seep into the soil.
• Train your plants into good habits. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage roots to grow down to a deeper level.
• Position your thirstiest plants close to the tap or other water source.
• Check your pots daily. Pots heat up and dry out much more quickly than the soil in the garden.
• Ensure water can enter easily into the potting mix, as dry mix or soil can become water repellent. If a pot has completely dried out, soak it in a large container of water until bubbles no longer appear, then allow it to drain.
• Make sure water is also draining readily from pots. If not, clear the drainage holes and consider raising the pots onto pot feet.
• Never apply mulch to dry soil. Water first, then spread the mulch.
• When watering with a hose, use a trigger nozzle that has a watering rose with a large number of holes. This ensures you distribute the water evenly, and don’t blast away the mulch or topsoil or damage the plants’ roots.
• To keep up to date with any water restrictions in your local area, visit bom.gov.au/water/restrictions

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