Keeping on top of your garden can be tricky but there are some top tips that can help you get the most out of your outdoor area.
When it comes to watering plants, there is one golden rule that plant experts urge you to stick to. According to the garden gurus, there are specific times of day you should give your plants and flowers some water to give them the best chance of survival.
The experts explain that many gardeners actually water their plants "too frequently", especially during the summer when may assume they will need more water due to the heat and dry weather.
Watering plants too much can lead to problems that can prevent your plants from developing properly. This is because the root system will become "dependent" on surface water and therefore fail to bloom.
The experts at Phostrogen urge that plants should never be watered in the morning during summer, telling The Express: "An error often made by gardeners is watering too frequently, as this means the plant isn't encouraged to develop its own root system and search for water at a deep level, becoming dependent on the surface water provided instead.
"Depending on the texture of your soil and whether it is compacted or not, it will have a greater or lesser ability to hold water, which seeps down to the roots. There are four main types of soil to consider, so begin by identifying which type of soil you have.
"If your soil is sandy, water is often and a little at a time, as it can't hold a lot of water. Generally speaking, if it is more clay-like, you can freely water with large quantities of water, but less often."
The experts also said gardeners should be watering their plants more regularly during hot spells, but should only ever do it in the evening, as watering plants in the sunlight could result in "burning".
The experts add: "Of course, water more regularly during summer months and hot spells. In spring and autumn, water early in the morning, but in the summer, it can be best to wait until the evening as watering during full sun can burn the plants."
There is less chance of evaporation when plants are watered in the morning, meaning they will actually receive all the water given.
You should also try to direct to the water toward the root, avoiding the leaves, as this can encourage diseases.
"Think about where your plants are positioned," the experts suggest.
"South-facing plants are likely to need more water as the direct sun will dry out the soil quickly, and remember that some plants and vegetables prefer more water than others.
"For example, tomatoes and roses are thirsty and require lots of watering, whereas plants such as lavender and poppies and vegetables like asparagus do not, every plant is different", they added.
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