Gardeners know how vital watering is for plants, yet many still make a little-known mistake that can cause plants to wilt and die faster than expected.
The Critical Watering Error
Watering plants is fundamental, but many gardeners are making a critical error that could be causing plants to wither. Whether novice or expert, all understand plants need water.
Typically, gardeners water once daily in sunny conditions, possibly twice during summer heat, and avoid watering after rainfall. However, according to social media gardener Emma Jo Real-Davies, an RHS gardener and TV presenter, this approach is misguided and could be killing plants.
Daily Watering Essential for Pots
Emma posted a TikTok video urging people to water their plants every single day, regardless of weather, especially for potted plants. She argued that even during heavy rain, potted plants likely need watering because rain may only saturate the top layer of soil, not penetrate to the roots.
She said: "Even if it has been pouring with rain, you still need to water your pots." To illustrate, she recalled how as children, catching raindrops on your tongue during downpours still only yielded a few drops due to how rain falls—the same applies to potted plants.
She showed a pot where the surface was damp, but bone-dry soil appeared deeper down. She added: "My advice to you, my friend, is water your pots!"
Preparing for Sunny Weather
After a week of heavy rain, the UK is experiencing sunny weather. Many will return to watering gardens, but if you haven't watered during rain, check if plants need a larger dose to prepare for heat.
General Watering Tips
How you water depends on plant location and needs. Here are general tips:
Plants in Beds and Borders
- Perennials usually need watering only during extreme drought.
- Check for stress signs like drooping leaves.
- Water slowly and thoroughly so soil is moist at 15cm (6in) depth.
- Mulch with organic matter like garden compost to retain moisture.
Plants in Containers
- Pots and hanging baskets dry out faster than garden soil.
- Water in morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Check moisture level; if soil is dry a third of the way down, water.
- Light rain likely hasn't drenched soil enough, so still water.
- Water slowly and thoroughly to soak compost, avoiding runoff.
- Water the compost, not foliage, to reduce fungal disease risk.
