It always happens doesn't it, we have months  and months of rain and then before we know it we are suffering a drought! If you're anything like me, year after year you will think "Why didn't I collect the water when it was raining so much?"

The hot months can be a struggle for gardeners and we have looked into ideas to keep your plants happy when water is in shorter supply.  

Water Deeper

More often than not when we water, we tend to only wet the top couple of centimetres of soil. A few seconds in each place as we hose round the garden every day feels like enough, but, it is actually more beneficial to give the plants a really good soak to get to the roots 2-3 times a week ,than it is to give them just a little every day. The top inch of soil or so doesn't take long to evaporate and the plant wont feel much benefit. Watering deeper encourages the roots to grow longer in search of water and so will be more likely to hit it. 

Timing matters too, watering early morning or late evening when its isn't as hot gives time for it to soak in. 

Also, watering around the base of the plant is best so that the leaves don't trap the water from getting to the roots.

Mulch

This is where our products come in! A good layer of Peat free compost added to your soil will improve the soil structure and water retention over time. There are also other ways to mulch.

Decorative bark

Not only does decorative bark make beds, borders and pots look neater, it also acts as a protective layer to the soil, keeping moisture in and also suppressing weeds. Leave a little space around the base of your plant to allow water through and the bark will prevent it from evaporating. When the bark eventually breaks down it adds to the compost to make a rich mixture which our customers have said is great for their plants. 

Woodchip

Woodchip has the same benefits as decorative bark only it has a different lighter appearance and it takes longer to break down. 

Rain water collecting

What can I say, it isn't like we don't get enough of the stuff here! And through the site "get composting" you can visit a designated Cumberland Council page where you can buy discounted water butts but also composting products for food waste that you can't put in your green waste bin. Check it out here

Priority watering

Some things can take a bit less water than usual like established plants and shrubs, trees and lawns. If you are limited on water it is best to water newly planted and young plants first, followed by your vegetables and then share the rest out the best you can. Most things will bounce back even if they start to look a little ropey. 

Drought friendly plants

If you would rather spend more time sunbathing in the garden than watering, then perhaps fill your garden with some drought friendly plants. Wildflowers, grasses, hardy perennials and lavender can all stand periods without watering. 

Pots

If your plants are mostly in pots, they can dry out quite quickly. There are things like terracotta drip waterers you can insert in the pots that release water slowly, but also grouping the pots together created a bit of humidity. A good soaking a couple times a week is better than a little bit every day.

British gardens are tougher than we think, and most plants just need a hand through the hottest weeks. Save your water for the plants that need it most, keep that precious moisture locked in and your garden will thank you when the rain returns, because lets face it, this is Cumbria, it will!

Happy gardening!