How to keep your plants watered in summer

As we enjoy the warm, sunny weather, it’s important to keep up with your garden’s irrigation needs – here’s how to enjoy happy plants, in a stress-free way

All being well, at this time of the year we will be enjoying long days outside in the glorious summer sunshine. Plants will be putting on growth every day, harvests coming in thick and fast, and flowers blooming beautifully.

However, these long, hot days can take their toll on thirsty crops, and watering is likely to be one of the top jobs on your garden to-do list. With busy lives and increasing awareness of the importance of conserving resources like water, how can we keep our plants happy and healthy, without leaving unnecessary sprinklers on all day?

Know Your Plants
Some crops you are growing will need more watering than others, so familiarise yourself with their needs. It is usual for a crop with a higher water content to be thirstier than others.

If your plants can tolerate shade, planting them out of the sun will mean they need less watering. Or, you may choose to grow veg that requires less watering altogether, such as onions or root crops – so make sure you know your plants.

When Do Plants Need Watering?
Underwatering causes symptoms such as dry, yellow-brown leaves, and may eventually kill the plant. The lack of moisture also puts them under severe stress, which in turn increases their vulnerability to pests and diseases such as powdery mildew.

Their physiological growth can also be negatively affected. For example, bolting can occur – when veg like spinach go to seed early. Lack of watering can also lead to calcium deficiency in crops like tomatoes and peppers, resulting in blossom end rot – green-brown or black circular splodges on the fruit’s end. A lack of moisture means the plant cannot absorb calcium effectively from the soil.

This makes it really important to have a proper watering regime in place. To find out if your crops have been sufficiently watered, check the soil at a depth of around 30 cm. Wet earth indicates overwatering, while dry soil means more is needed. The soil should be moist but not extreme in either direction.

Signs of overwatering include wilted, discoloured leaves and potential root rot, caused by poor gas exchange due to waterlogged soil. Overwatering can also attract slugs and snails and lead to splitting in root vegetables due to inconsistent moisture levels.

Watering Well
Avoid watering plants from above. Droplets landing on leaves are less effective and can cause scorching on hot days. Overhead watering also increases the risk of diseases such as tomato blight. Always water from the base of the plant.

It can be useful to set up automatic watering systems that deliver water directly to the roots. These save time and ensure even distribution. Aim to water during the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

The size of your growing space should determine your irrigation arrangements. Small areas may only need systems for a few pots or raised beds, while large allotments require more extensive setups. Consider this when choosing products – you don’t want to be lugging a heavy watering can around a big garden.

Watering by hand is common, and attaching a rose head to your watering can will help the water fall gently and more evenly, which is ideal for young plants.

Set up a water butt to collect rainwater – an eco-friendly way to keep thirsty crops healthy. Hoses are another time-saving option, but be sure to check for hosepipe bans in your area.

Thirsty Pots
Pots dry out more quickly than soil beds and need more regular monitoring. But remember: there’s no place for excess water to drain, so don’t overwater and risk waterlogging. Fortunately, pots are easy to care for once you understand their needs.

Quick Hack: Recycled Water Bottles
We gardeners love to reuse and repurpose items. A great recycling project to improve your irrigation system is this: Cut the bottom off a plastic water bottle, sink it into the ground next to your crop (neck facing down), and pour water directly into the bottle. This waters the plant at the roots, making it both effective and time-saving.