29
Summer Watering Guide
Introduction
When it’s hot outside, plants need extra care. Here’s a simple watering guide to help you keep your plants healthy and hydrated during the summer months.
Plants That Need More Water
- Seedlings, cuttings, and young plants
- Plants in greenhouses or containers (like tomatoes and cucumbers)
- Plants with shallow roots (like bedding plants and ferns)
- Plants that love moisture (like lobelia and bog plants)
Watering Schedule
- Water these plants every day or two.
- Water tree ferns daily to create humidity.
Plants That Need Some Water
- Plants with shallow root systems (like brassicas, lettuce, and spinach)
- Moisture-loving perennials (like hydrangeas and celery)
- Fruit trees on dwarfing rootstocks
Watering Schedule
- Water these plants once a week.
- Water celery twice a week if it’s dry.
Plants That Can Fend for Themselves
- Clematis and roses
- Shallow-rooted shrubs (like camellias)
- Mature trees, shrubs, and hedges
- Lawns
Watering Schedule
- Water these plants once a fortnight during long, dry spells.
- Avoid watering them otherwise.
Tips for Saving Water
- Use mulch to help retain moisture.
- Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Collect rainwater for watering.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants that don’t need much water.
Drought-Resistant Plants
Here are some drought-tolerant plants that are easy to care for:
- Alliums
- Ballota
- Euphorbia
- Gaura
- Helianthemum
- Nepeta
- Santolina
- Sedum
- Stachys
- Stipa
- Thyme
- Verbena
