Gardeners have been warned about a little-known watering mistake that could harm their plants, especially during wet weather. The error, highlighted by RHS gardener and TV presenter Emma Jo Real-Davies, involves assuming that rain provides enough water for potted plants.
The Mistake: Skipping Watering After Rain
Many gardeners stop watering their plants after rainfall, but Real-Davies argues this is wrong. In a TikTok video, she explained that rain often only wets the top layer of soil, leaving deeper roots dry. She demonstrated by digging into a pot that appeared wet on top but revealed bone-dry soil beneath.
"Even if it has been pouring with rain, you still need to water your pots," she said. She compared it to trying to catch raindrops on your tongue as a child—you rarely get many drops, similar to how rain fails to penetrate potted soil.
Why Potted Plants Need Daily Watering
Plants in containers dry out faster than those in garden beds. Light rain is often insufficient to soak the compost fully. Real-Davies advises watering pots daily, regardless of weather, to ensure deep moisture reaches the roots.
General Watering Tips
Proper watering depends on plant location and needs. Here are guidelines:
Plants in Beds and Borders
- Water only during extreme drought.
- Check for stress signs like drooping leaves.
- Water slowly to moisten soil 15cm deep.
- Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture.
Plants in Containers
- Water in morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Check moisture a third of the way down the pot; if dry, water.
- Water slowly and thoroughly to soak compost.
- Aim at the soil, not foliage, to prevent fungal diseases.
By following these tips, gardeners can avoid the common mistake and keep their plants healthy.
