Water wisely

Over watering your plants not only uses a lot of water, it makes them weaker and more vulnerable to dry weather.

All over yellowing foliage can be a sign of over watering or poor drainage, just as it can be a sign of drought.

Sprinkler systems are wasteful, especially if they throw up a fine spray high into the air where it evaporates. The water should be sprayed close to the ground, under the canopy of foliage to prevent evaporation.

Don’t forget that if you are using a sprinkler, you must be on a metered supply – for more information telephone 0845 600 4 600.

Most plants need an average of only an inch of water a week and a good soaking once a week is better than daily watering.

Watering is best done during a cool spell in the summer either in the evening or early morning, when it will result in less evaporation.

One way to keep the roots moist is to plant a plastic two-litre bottle that has a 1mm hole pierced near the bottom. Sink the bottle into the ground and fill it with water as necessary.

Hollow stakes and plastic tubes can also direct water towards the roots of newly planted shrubs and saplings.