9 Things Not to Do When Watering Your Garden: Expert Advice

Have you noticed the leaves falling and think they could use a little water? Professional gardener Nicole Shah is sure it’s a terrible idea. “Moisture on leaves is the best way to attract pests or cause plant diseases,” she says.

Instead, landscaper and gardener Amy Hovis advises watering the soil so the water reaches the roots, which can absorb it. “This promotes a healthy root system, essential for lush foliage and a bountiful harvest,” says Amy.

Have you ever rushed out with a watering can ready to save tomato plants that had fallen from the heat? Don’t blame yourself: even the most experienced summer residents often make this mistake in extreme heat. Of course, such actions cannot harm plants when watering the garden, but they do not have any benefits either.

Nicole explains that you should start watering as early as possible in summer: “If you do it in the afternoon when it’s very hot outside, most of the water will evaporate before reaching the roots. Hitting the hose in the morning when it’s cool will help your plants cope with the midday heat, advises Shah.

Morning watering is also very beneficial for the roots: according to Shah, it keeps the soil moist for a long time, which helps them grow. And finally, if water gets on the leaves in the morning, they will definitely dry out before the evening, which will help prevent plant diseases.

Follow another expert tip on safe garden watering: Before you get out a watering can, be sure to check if the plant needs water. You don’t need any equipment for this: your own hands are enough.

“Insert your finger into the soil near the plant – ideally, reach down to the second knuckle,” advises Hovis. – If you feel dry, then watering is necessary. Is the ground damp? Then you should wait a little with water.

The list of actions not recommended when watering a garden includes one related to young plants. As Hovis explains, if you’ve just sowed seeds or transplanted seedlings, you shouldn’t treat them like “mature” bushes and trees. “They need more water to establish themselves in their new home, so be sure to water the seedlings or seedlings every day,” says Amy.

The previous rule explaining how to keep plants healthy when watering has an important clarification: more often does not mean more. “The biggest mistake gardeners often make is using too much water. Oversaturated soil prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, which is particularly dangerous for young plants,” explains Hovis.

The dangers of certain actions when watering a garden are sometimes related to its design features. Vegetables, herbs or berries grown in containers or raised beds need more water than those grown in the ground.

This is because, firstly, the mixture used in the crates is generally designed for faster drainage. Secondly, the soil, located above ground level, warms up faster on hot days and water evaporates from it faster.

How do you know when it’s time to grab a watering can and take care of the plants living in a raised bed? Use the same method with your finger – this will allow you to avoid mistakes when watering the garden.

Some answers to the question of what to avoid when watering plants in the garden will be very strange – for example, sometimes it is… water. Or rather, not just water, but tap water: it can contain chlorine and fluoride, which are harmful to some plants and can even increase the pH of the soil.

Of course, it is impossible to completely abandon tap water. But experts advise collecting rainwater – this can be done not only with a barrel, but also, for example, with a chain.

Certain actions can be harmful to garden plants, including watering too harshly. If you use a hose, the pressure should not displace soil or damage leaves. In the case of a can or bottle, be careful not to tip it onto the plants from above: the water should be poured carefully onto the soil near their base.

Also read: How to create a vegetable garden that will be more beautiful than a flower bed: 10 clever but simple techniques

You may have seen a recommendation to water your garden once every five to seven days, and you’ve even set a reminder on your smartphone. Unfortunately, this approach can be dangerous: you should not just follow the routine, ignoring external factors – the amount of precipitation, planting features and the needs of the plants themselves. Instead, set a schedule for checking soil moisture and rely on soil conditions to ensure your plants get the right amount of water when they need it.

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