Horticulturist and broadcaster Peter Dowdall, known as The Irish Gardener, has issued a warning about a common watering mistake that many people make during hot weather. Speaking about the recent heatwave, which saw the UK break its record for the hottest May day, Dowdall explained that watering plants little and often can actually make them weaker over time.
The Mistake: Shallow Watering
According to Dowdall, the biggest error gardeners make is watering frequently but only wetting the surface of the soil. This encourages plant roots to stay near the surface, making them dependent on constant watering. When hot or windy weather returns, these plants dry out quickly.
"It feels logical because people see plants looking stressed in the heat and immediately reach for the hose or watering can," he said. "But very often they are only wetting the surface of the soil, and that can actually make plants weaker over time."
The Solution: Deep Soaking
Dowdall advises that one deep soak is far more beneficial than five quick splashes. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture is more stable. He also stresses the importance of soil health, noting that healthy soil holds moisture better naturally.
"If you improve the soil properly, plants become healthier, stronger and far better able to cope with periods of stress," he added. Mulching around plants with organic material can also help suppress weeds and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Timing Matters
Watering during the heat of the day is inefficient because much of the water evaporates before reaching the roots. Instead, Dowdall recommends watering early in the morning or late in the evening for best results.
Lawn Care
For those worried about brown lawns during dry spells, Dowdall reassures that grass is resilient and often recovers once rain returns. He encourages gardeners to focus on building soil health and planning for dry periods rather than reacting to stressed plants.
