Optimizing watering efficiency in a heatwave: Horticultural experts share their insights on utilizing a pan of water for irrigation.
In the heart of a heatwave, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water is crucial for their survival. While some may resort to placing a pan of water on the lawn as a guide, this method is not commonly recommended in expert gardening advice. Instead, simple, practical tests like the "lawn bounce back" test offer a more direct and effective assessment of plant water needs.
Samuel Davis, CEO of London Gardeners, a premier destination for gardening services in London, suggests that using a pan of water can provide a practical visual clue. However, he emphasises that this method is less reliable and more specific tests are necessary.
One such test involves filling a pan with water and marking the top level. The amount of water that evaporates from the pan is approximately the amount of evaporation that has occurred from the soil. By placing the pan in different spots around the garden, gardeners can monitor water loss more accurately, especially in areas where sunlight varies, such as sunny and shady spots.
Understanding soil moisture is crucial for proper watering, rather than relying solely on evaporation levels. Soil type plays a massive role in watering, and local knowledge is important for accurate judgement of soil moisture. For instance, clay soil can retain water and cause salt accumulation, making it harder for roots to uptake water.
To make watering more efficient, Samuel Davis recommends using soaker hoses or drip irrigation, and adding mulch. These methods help to reduce water waste and ensure that water reaches the roots directly. Adjusting watering frequency based on observations over a couple of days can help avoid over- and under-watering.
Moreover, a clog-resistant soaker hose can be used to get moisture deep down into the soil. In contrast, terracotta pots are more porous and lose water faster than plastic ones. A modern, black planter, on the other hand, has an interior reservoir to keep plants hydrated without the need for constant watering.
Laura Osteen, an award-winning landscape designer and licensed landscape contractor at Secret Landscapes, stresses that a one-size-fits-all approach to watering pots is not advisable. Different types of pots lose moisture to evaporation at varying levels, requiring individual checking. Grouping pots together can help increase local humidity and reduce watering needs.
In summary, the key to efficient watering during heatwaves is a combination of practical tests, knowledge of watering timing, irrigation technology, soil management, and mulching. By understanding the specific conditions of your lawn or garden, you can effectively keep soil moist and ensure the health and longevity of your plants. Companies like London Gardeners, which foster beautiful landscapes and promote environmental stewardship, can provide valuable guidance in this area.
- Samuel Davis, the CEO of London Gardeners, suggests that while a pan of water can offer a practical visual clue, it is less reliable for assessing plant water needs and expert gardening advice recommends more specific tests.
- Laura Osteen, an award-winning landscape designer, advises against a one-size-fits-all approach to watering pots, as different types of pots lose moisture at varying levels, requiring individual checking.
- To make watering more efficient, Samuel Davis recommends using soaker hoses or drip irrigation, adding mulch, understanding soil moisture, and adjusting watering frequency based on observations, especially considering soil type and local knowledge.
