Best time to water plants and 5 other gardening tips from Monty Don and other experts
Every summer the weather comes to test Britons trying to keep on top of their gardens.
From a summer washout to droughts, the circumstances seem to change every year, bringing different challenges to green-fingered homeowners.
Here we share some tips from expert gardeners.
Best time to water plants
While it might be tempting to water plants when you see them struggling in thirsty soil during the day, it’s actually better to hold off until it’s cooler to avoid wasting your efforts.
Kate Turner, Miracle-Gro's gardening guru told the Daily Express: “I always recommend watering in the evening when asked when is the best time to water plants.
“The water has more of a chance to work its magic, without being evaporated by the heat of the day. This ensures the water gets down to the roots, helping the plant stay hydrated.”
Avoid over-watering plants
So you're now watering your plants in the evenings (see the first tip if you haven't already!) but you don't need to do this every day.
The National Trust says to just give plants a drink if they look like they're starting to wilt.
It added: "Don't just water the surface of the soil as this will cause shallow rooting."
Holiday-proof your garden
If you're going away for more than a couple of days, it's best to ensure your garden is prepped for your departure so you come back to a thriving space.
Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don advises weeding borders, deadheading plants, mowing and edging the lawn and filling up the pond.
A few ways to keep potted plants alive is to give them a heavy water before you go, placing a saucer or plate underneath to collect any rain water as and when it falls. You can also sink them into a border where they can drink water from the soil if they start to dry out.
Monty said: "If you can, ask friends and neighbours to pick and water plants and crops, in exchange for harvesting produce or flowers, or the promise that you’ll do the same for them when it’s their turn to go on holiday."
Don't forget to pick any crops you are growing even if they're not quite ready as they will definitely be past their best on your return! It will also encourage more to grow while you're away. You can pop most things in the freezer with minimal to zero prep work.
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How to deadhead your plants
Deadheading should be part of your summer gardening list even if you're not heading on holiday (see the above tip!). It can encourage the plant to flower more, keeping your garden colourful until autumn.
Roses, dahlias and summer perennials (those that come back year after year) benefit most from this but you can also deadhead annual bedding plants and they'll become more plentiful throughout the season, Gardeners' World says.
Don't use fresh manure in your garden
Manure is a great natural fertiliser, but it could harm your plants if too fresh.
That's because it has too much nitrogen in and can "burn" plants according to experts at Better Homes and Gardens.
It may also contain pathogens or parasites if it is put into soil too early.
Instead, manure needs to have 'cured' for at least six months before adding it to soil.
Banana skins make great fertiliser
Big, beautiful flowering plants such as hydrangeas flourish with plenty of potassium.
The nutrient helps promote strong root development by encouraging water uptake.
So what better way to give yours a natural boost than with leftover banana skins?
The homemade fertiliser will not only help your garden but also give food waste a second purpose.
Gardening blogger Wendy, who writes WM Design House, wrote: "Potassium is crucial for overall plant health, helping regulate water uptake, promoting strong root development, and enhancing flower and fruit production.
"Because banana peels decompose relatively slowly, they are an excellent source of long-term plant nutrition.
"In addition, aphids and spider mites dislike the odour of the peels and act as a deterrent for these pests."
To make your own banana fertiliser, chop two-three banana peels into small pieces and place in a jar, then fill with 1 litre of water. Let it steep for three-seven days before using.
When ready, dilute one part banana water with five parts regular water. Water the plants with this and you can also add any skins to the soil to decompose. Wendy says the mixture will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Do you have any good gardening tips? Let us know in the comments section below!
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