After one of the wettest winters on record it is now time to think about watering and how to do it and hope there is not going to be a hosepipe ban!
Firstly rain water is best. It contains dissolved oxygen gathered in the clouds and in its descent to your garden. Collected in water butts from all available surfaces it is at the right temperature when used.
One is not entirely sure what is in mains water and direct from the tap it is too cold to be used on plants during hot weather. The same applies to water from wells should you have one and don’t forget you don’t own the water!
Always allow time for mains water to reach the ambient temperature either by leaving it in cans and containers for twelve hours or leaving for twenty four hours in a water butt.
So when to water? Unfortunately early morning is probably the most beneficial time for plants if not for the waterer! This ensures plenty of moisture during the hottest part of the day and will avoid any likely hood of water logging. The alternative is the evening but this may condemn a plant to a soggy night! Midday is best avoided as much water will be lost to evaporation.
Always water at the base and try and avoid wetting the leaves as this may encourage fungal diseases .
When watering plants in pots make sure to water right round the edge of the pot to ensure that all the soil gets the benefit. To make sure that the watering has been thorough allow a few drops come out of the bottom of the container. Again this is why morning watering is best as the moisture will be taken up through the day. Also with pots and containers it is a good idea to rotate them through ten to fifteen degrees every few days to ensure even growth.
Some plants present unique problems. Courgettes, marrows and squash are very sensitive to mildew if their leaves get wet so insert a tube or an old drinks bottle at the the base and water through this.
June days are the longest with the most intense sunshine of the year meaning that growth is at its fastest. With it comes the first of the soft fruit and everybody’s favourite, strawberries. Unfortunately it’s not only humans that fancy strawberries as they are also a delight to birds , squirrels and slugs. Raise the fruit off the ground with straw leaving a few slug pellets round the the base and cover with netting. Careful watering will be required during dry spells and regular picking essential.
Ensure poly tunnels and greenhouses are well ventilated and shaded if necessary during the middle of the day.
Weekly feeds for tomatoes, peppers, chillies and aubergine once the fruit has formed.
At the end of the month the thought of the first home grown new potatoes will give you a new lease of life!
Time to start thinking about our next show on 13th July
Good Gardening
Peter Estcourt