How to water

In the UK, summers are getting hotter and drier every year, which could lead to severe water shortages. Watering your garden effectively and efficiently is vital if your plants are to survive.

There are a number of ways in which you can make the most of your water supplies.

• Watering plants less frequently, but deeply and thoroughly helps them to develop healthy, deep root systems.
• Target the specific areas of the plant that needs water. For most plants this means watering the area of soil around the roots. Do not saturate the plant with water because some of the water will evaporate or run off. Water until the soil feels moist.
• Avoid watering in the midday sun because the water will evaporate. The best time to water the garden is early in the morning or evening.
• If possible, use a watering can rather than a hose or sprinkler. It will be easier to target a specific area of the plant.
• To reduce evaporation, don't water when it's windy.
• Automatic watering systems should be altered according to the time of day, season and level of rainfall.
• Collect rainwater in a water butt to use later. It is easy to connect one to your existing guttering and downpipes.
• Before planting, dig down deeply into the soil. It is better for water penetration and will increase its moisture-retaining qualities in dry periods.
• Improve your soil by adding organic matter such as compost, manure or leaf-mould. This also increases its moisture-retaining qualities