How To Water Your Garden
Getting Started with Watering
The simplest way to water efficiently and sustainably is by collecting rainwater. Installing water butts or storage tubs connected to your guttering system allows you to harvest free water for your garden.
For small gardens or container plants, simply dunk a watering can into a filled water butt and water as needed.
This method is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and ideal for reducing reliance on mains water.
However; A Note on Using Rainwater for Seedlings
While rainwater is excellent for most garden plants, it is not always ideal for watering seedlings. Stored rainwater can become stagnant, potentially harbouring bacteria or fungal spores that may affect young, delicate plants.
Instead, it’s best to:
Place trays outdoors during rainfall so seedlings benefit from fresh rainwater directly.
Use mains water when hand-watering seedlings to reduce the risk of contamination.
Best Watering Practices
No matter what watering method you use—whether watering cans, hoses, or automated irrigation—following a few key principles will ensure your plants receive the right amount of water, at the right time, in the right way.
1. Water in the Morning or Evening
The best times to water are early morning and late evening, when temperatures are cooler.
Watering during these times reduces evaporation, allowing plants to absorb moisture more effectively.
Morning watering helps plants prepare for the heat of the day.
Evening watering provides hydration overnight but should be done early enough to prevent excessive dampness, which can encourage disease.
2. Water the Soil, Not the Leaves
Direct water at the base of the plant, rather than spraying the leaves.
Watering the soil ensures moisture reaches the roots, where it is needed most.
Keeping foliage dry reduces the risk of fungal diseases such as mildew and blight.
Aiming at the soil also prevents wasted water, as overhead watering can evaporate too quickly or be blown away by wind.
3. Water Deeply and Less Frequently
A thorough soaking once or twice a week is more beneficial than frequent light watering.
Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more drought-resistant.
In contrast, shallow watering promotes surface-level roots, making plants more vulnerable to drought.
4. Mulch to Retain Moisture
Applying a layer of organic mulch (such as compost, bark, or straw) helps lock in moisture and reduce evaporation.
Mulch also suppresses weeds, which compete for water, and regulates soil temperature, preventing it from drying out too quickly.
Choosing the Right Watering Method
1. Watering Cans & Hoses
Best for smaller gardens, containers, and borders.
Allows targeted watering at the base of plants.
Use a watering can with a fine rose for seedlings to avoid disturbing the soil.
2. Soaker Hoses & Drip Irrigation
Ideal for vegetable beds, borders, and larger gardens.
Provides slow, deep watering directly to the roots.
More efficient than sprinklers and prevents water waste.
3. Sprinklers
Useful for lawns and large flower beds.
Can be wasteful if used during hot weather or on windy days.
Less effective for deep-rooted plants that need moisture deeper in the soil.
4. Water Trays
Watering from below is a highly effective method for ensuring even moisture and healthier root development in seedlings.
This technique minimises disturbance to delicate seedlings and prevents washing away seeds. Follow these simple steps for optimal seedling growth