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How much watering?
jay.hollis
Posts: 7
Hi, I live on the south coast and have a south facing garden that's primarily clay soil.
I have a variety of standard shrubs / plants i.e. hydrangeas, hebe's, roses, smoke trees, hollyhocks.
I think I over water but have no idea how much is too much. During the summer months I tend to water every other day. I never know whether clay is good at retaining water, or whether it stops the water getting below the surface to root level.
Thoughts? I know all plants would be different - but any rough suggestions on how frequent?
Thanks!
0
Posts
I have clay soil and I don't water established plants - they don't get extra water in the wild, so why would they need it in the garden? I might make an exception in a rare long dry spell to help them grow, but that is all. If they need watering then they are growing in the wrong place.
I agree with Alan. Choose your plants to suit the soil.
In the sticks near Peterborough
OK, that's interesting. Thanks.
I think I took my lead from my neighbour that's lived down the road for 40years. Although I recently discovered all of her plants are in pots - which I assume means the soil dries out quicker and therefore needs more frequent watering?
Will try leaving them too it - and monitoring how they get on.
I would have water anything that's in a pot. That's why I don't grow things in pots
In the sticks near Peterborough
If your garden is south-facing your hydrangeas may need some extra water if they are in full sun, especially if they are recently planted. On the whole, though, if they wilt they need water.
Although I'm not suggesting you do it, I remember a TV gardener years ago (Percy Thrower?) suggesting that weekly watering was plenty, be that rain or by hand.
if it wilts I water it, whether in the soil or in a pot. otherwise I let them get on with it.
I also feed the stuff in pots once a week, so they get a water then.
clay soil is good at retaing moisture. And if you ever you get a urge to build an extentsion. you have the basic raw material to manufacture your own bricks.
Some plants have such lush foilage. Even if the soil around them looks wet. Check to see if their wet under their canopies