Watering your flowers will keep them alive – but it could also hurt them (Image: Getty)
Spring has sprung, bringing with it sun and rising temperatures perfect for the avid gardener. And with many people planning on getting out into the garden, one gardening expert has revealed a common blunder many green-fingered fans make that could spell disaster for their blooms.
Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, has cautioned against watering your plants and flowers this month.”People assume that more water means healthier plants, but in reality, too much can do more harm than good,” she warned. “Overwatering suffocates the roots, leading to rot, disease and weak plants that struggle to survive.”
Too much watering can suffocate roots and can cause rot and disease. This can ultimately result in weakened plants that are likely to perish.
Elise noted key signs that indicate you’re being heavy-handed with hydration. “If your flowers are turning yellow, wilting despite damp soil, or developing mould on the surface, chances are they’re getting too much water,” she said.
Too much water stops oxygen from reaching plant roots, stunting growth and even causing decay. She continued: “If the leaves are soft and the soil is already damp, you could be overdoing it. Yellowing foliage, mould on the soil, and even a musty smell are all red flags that your plant is drowning rather than thriving.”
DON’T MISS [SUMMER] [GARDENING] [VEGETABLES]
To avoid making this ‘fatal’ mistake, Elise offered some straightforward advice to ensure that your plants remain healthy and well-watered without going overboard.
- Before dousing your greenery, be sure to check the soil. Dig in a finger up to about an inch—if it’s damp, delay the watering for a day or two.
- Watering should be done early in the day, providing your plants ample time to soak up moisture before the midday sun can evaporate it and cut down on the risk of pesky fungi.
- For those keen to avoid the blight of over-drenched roots, opting for well-draining soil and pots with holes is key to keeping things airy and dry.
- When arranging your greens, put those with similar thirsts together; this will help prevent any accidental drownings or droughts among your floral friends.
“Gardening is all about balance,” Elise said, stressing the importance of understanding your plant’s unique hydration needs for a thriving patch. “A little knowledge about how much water your plants actually need can make a huge difference.”
Elise also advises that altering your soil blend could be crucial, recommending the introduction of compost and mulch to maintain moisture without waterlogging your garden.
“Incorporating organic matter improves drainage, while mulch helps regulate moisture levels,” she said. “Both can help create the perfect environment for your flowers to flourish.”
By following these tips, you’re setting the stage for your flowers to bloom in optimal conditions.