Gardeners have been warned that a common watering practice could be harming their plants, particularly those in pots. RHS gardener and TV presenter Emma Jo Real-Davies has advised that potted plants need watering every day, even after heavy rainfall.
In a TikTok video, Real-Davies explained that rain often only wets the top layer of soil, leaving the roots dry. She demonstrated by digging into a pot that appeared damp on the surface but revealed bone-dry soil beneath.
“Even if it has been pouring with rain, you still need to water your pots,” she said. The advice challenges the common assumption that rainfall eliminates the need for watering.
Plants in pots and hanging baskets dry out more quickly than those in garden soil, making them more dependent on regular watering. Perennials in beds and borders typically only need watering during extreme drought.
As the UK enjoys sunny weather after a week of rain, gardeners are urged to check their potted plants and ensure they receive adequate water to prepare for the heat.
