Potential oversights during warm weather may negatively impact your plants, according to a gardening professional's cautionary advice.
**Effective Watering Techniques for Hot Weather: A Guide to Bottom-Watering Garden Plants**
In the heat of summer, maintaining healthy garden plants can be a challenge. But fear not, as a simple technique known as bottom-watering could be the solution to your watering woes. Here's how to do it effectively, along with some additional tips for hot weather.
## Steps for Bottom-Watering
1. Prepare a Tray or Dish: Use a tray or large dish that can hold water. This will be placed under the pot to allow the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes.
2. Place the Pot in the Tray: Position the potted plant into the tray, ensuring the pot's drainage holes are submerged in the water.
3. Allow Absorption: Let the soil absorb water through the drainage holes. This method helps prevent water from splashing onto leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
4. Monitor Water Level: Ensure that the water level in the tray is sufficient for the plant's needs. If the soil absorbs all the water, refill the tray as necessary.
5. Check for Saturation: Once the soil is well saturated, remove any excess water from the tray to prevent root rot.
## Additional Tips for Hot Weather
- Use the Right Water Temperature: Ensure the water is at room temperature (around 65°F or 18°C) to avoid shocking the roots. - Mulch Around Plants: Mulch can help retain moisture in the soil and keep the root zone cooler. - Provide Shade: Use shade cloth or other materials to protect plants from intense sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
## Exceptions to Bottom-Watering
- Some plants, like water lilies and certain herbs or vegetables (mint, basil, basil, oregano, tomatoes, and peppers), may benefit from or require overhead watering. However, be cautious not to splash water excessively on leaves.
By following these steps and tips, you can efficiently bottom-water your garden plants during hot weather while minimizing the risk of disease.
Josh Novell, a garden expert with over six years of experience in the horticulture industry, explains the benefits of bottom-watering. This method encourages plants to develop deep, strong root systems, reduces the likelihood of diseases caused by excess moisture on leaves and stems, and helps prevent leaf damage.
In addition to bottom-watering, there are other smart watering solutions for plants in hot weather. For instance, Iridescent glass cactus self-watering globes are useful tools to still water from above but with the water being directed straight to the roots. A solar-powered automatic drip feeder system is another efficient option.
Remember to check hanging baskets and containers more frequently for watering needs, aiming for the soil, not the leaves. And if possible, move potted plants into shade during the hottest part of the day.
For sustainable gardening, consider rainscaping to collect any sudden showers. This simple practice can help uphold your eco-friendly ideals while keeping your plants well-watered.
Skipping the fertiliser while it's hot can help plants cope with high temperatures. But always remember to research the specific needs of your plants before making any drastic changes to their care routine.
So, the next time you're faced with a hot and dry spell, don't despair. Embrace bottom-watering and watch your garden plants thrive despite the heat.
- Bottom-watering, a technique effective in hot weather, involves placing pots with drainage holes submerged in a tray filled with water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture directly.
- In addition to bottom-watering, using room temperature water (around 65°F or 18°C) and mulching around plants can help retain moisture and keep the root zone cool.
- By avoiding splashing water on leaves and stems when watering, home gardeners can reduce the risk of diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
- Some plants like water lilies, certain herbs, and vegetables may require overhead watering; however, care must be taken to avoid excess water on leaves to prevent diseases.
