Mr Massey's Topical Tips
Spring Watering Tips 20 may 2008
Springs seems finally to have arrived and now the watering can comes into its own. Have you retrieved yours from the back of the garden shed? If not, do it now! Is the spray rose with it? Now, first things first, is the inside of the can clear of rubbish? Give it a flush through with water – including the downspout – but do this only after removing the rose. If you want to get a good spray from your rose make sure to read my special notes by clicking here.
Now you are ready to water, so when is the best time to do so? I always recommend that if it is sunny or bright, to water in the evening when the evaporation will be least of a problem and there is no risk of water droplets acting as miniature magnifying glasses scorching vulnerable leaves.
If you have a lot of can watering to do it is much easier on your back if you carry two cans of equal capacity.
If you apply weedkiller through a watering can you should dedicate one can purely for this use. A red can is a good idea! To ensure even application it is important to ensure an even spray from the rose.
When you have finished watering always fill your cans ready for the next day. This way the water warms up a bit which young seedlings will appreciate and it gets you off to a good start for another spell in the garden.
I was recently watching a nurseryman planting out some bedding plants. In the traditional manner he made a depression in the compost using his finger, then just dropped the plant in, refraining from pressing down the compost around the plant. Subsequent watering with a fine spray is sufficient to secure the plant and avoids compressing out the air from around the roots.