He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the importance of watering.
There is something deeply reassuring about watering a garden on a warm summer’s evening. Hose in hand, the scent of warm soil rising as the first droplets hit, it feels like an act of kindness. I’ve spent many such evenings in my own Hampshire garden, convinced I was doing exactly the right thing.
Yet experience has a way of gently correcting us. In truth, during the height of summer, it is not how much we water, but how we water, that really matters.
I recall one particularly dry spell when I watered diligently every evening, giving everything a light spray. The borders looked revived for a time, but beneath the surface the soil remained stubbornly dry. It was a useful lesson: plants need more than a passing refresh – they need a proper drink.
Timing is crucial. Early morning is ideal, when the air is cool and moisture has time to soak in before the day warms up. Evening can work too, though it’s best not to leave plants sitting damp for too long. What’s rarely effective is watering in the middle of the day, when much of it simply evaporates before it reaches the roots.
Remember as well, it’s the roots that matter most. A quick sprinkle over leaves may look pleasing, but it does little for long-term health. Water applied slowly at the base encourages roots to travel deeper into the soil, making plants more resilient when conditions turn dry.
One of the simplest ways to support this is through mulching – that gorgeous layer of compost or bark spread over the soil acts like a protective blanket, locking in moisture and improving structure over time.
Collecting rainwater is another simple habit that pays dividends. A water butt may not be the most exciting feature, but it provides a supply that plants seem to relish, and there is something quietly satisfying about using what nature provides.
It’s also worth remembering that a garden is a living system. Too much water can be just as harmful as too little, encouraging shallow roots and occasional disease. Allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings often results in stronger, healthier plants.In the end, summer gardening is about observation and restraint. By paying attention and watering with care, we not only conserve a precious resource, but create gardens that are better equipped to thrive — whatever the weather brings.
