Gardening expert warns common ‘mistake’ is ‘silently killing’ your garden plants (Image: Getty)
Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, has said that overwatering is one of the “biggest errors” gardeners make. As temperatures rise during the spring months, it can be tempting to give lots of water, but it can often lead to the death of a plant.
The expert said: “People assume that more water means healthier plants, but in reality, too much can do more harm than good. Overwatering suffocates the roots, leading to rot, disease and weak plants that struggle to survive.” While need water to thrive, especially in the spring and summer, drowning them in it is a surefire way to damage their roots.
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Too much moisture prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, which, according to the expert, will cause them to decay.
Elise warned: “If your flowers are turning yellow, wilting despite damp soil, or developing mould on the surface, chances are they’re getting too much water.”
According to the pro, one of the biggest misconceptions is that wilting always means a plant needs more water.
The expert noted: “If the leaves are soft and the soil is already damp, you could be overdoing it.
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“Yellowing foliage, mould on the soil, and even a musty smell are all red flags that your plant is drowning rather than thriving.”
To keep your flowers happy and healthy throughout the growing season, the flower expert suggested a few simple fixes.
This includes checking the soil before watering. Simply stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it’s damp, wait a day or two before watering again.
When the plant needs watering, do it in the morning, as it takes time for the plant to absorb moisture before the day’s heat.
Tips for watering your garden (Image: EXPRESS)
Make sure to use well-draining soil, choose pots with drainage holes, and keep flowers with similar watering needs together.
Elise continued: “Gardening is all about balance. A little knowledge about how much water your plants actually need can make a huge difference.
“Incorporating organic matter improves drainage, while mulch helps regulate moisture levels.
“Both can help create the perfect environment for your flowers to flourish.”