Watering the garden

Too much water is just as bad as too little

The key to gardening is getting the balance right in your garden and this applies to the amount of water your plants need to thrive. Although plants are made of 90% water, too much watering is as bad as too little. Over-watering will diminish your plants capability to draw essential nutrients and oxygen from the soil. Your plants will become water-logged and as a result the leaves will go a yellow/brown colour and eventually drop off. Youll be able to spot this straight away by checking the leaves at the bottom of the plant, as the signs will show up here first - make sure you catch it early, once its made its way up to the upper leaves youve got a real problem.

Test your soil

The type of soil depicts the amount of water required.

• Heavy soil; it wont drain well and therefore your plants will require less watering to prevent them from becoming water-logged which can cause root rot.
• Lighter soil; it might need water more frequently.
• Check the moisture content of your plants soil before you water it, especially if your plant begins to wilt as many peoples first assumption is that it needs to be watered when it might be the complete opposite.

Fixing the problem

• Allow the soil to dry out and reduce your water content.
• For potted plants ensure there are drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, if youre too late and the soil has become compacted it may be best to give it some new soil.
• When watering allow the plants soil to dry out partially, almost completely, between each time to reduce the chance of them becoming water-logged.
• Improve the drainage of the soil in your garden; in particularly bad situations you may even consider raising your garden for better water control.