The sun has graced many Brits this week, with even some milder weather appearing through the cracks, but an expert has warned not to assume your garden needs surplus water
As spring appears to have sprung, the temptation to get the deck chairs out, along with the parasol is definitely there. But many people will be trying to smarten up their garden as the weather shows signs of improvement.
March is the month of differing weather, from mild interludes to cold snaps, and this can wreak havoc with anyone trying to get into a lawn mowing and watering routine in their garden. Andrew Haydon from Simply Plastics, a garden supplier-firm, said: “March and April are pivotal months when it comes to creating a vibrant, healthy garden that can be enjoyed in the warmer months ahead. However, knowing what to do and when can be tricky, and the transition from winter to spring can be overwhelming.”
In his list of do’s and don’ts, Mr Haydon told gardeners to be cautious when watering the garden during these months. He added: “Spring weather can be unpredictable, so be cautious and check the weather forecast before getting the watering can out. Too much water can drown new plants or lead to root rot, especially if you have poor drainage so try to water only as needed, skipping it entirely if the weather is set to turn gloomy.”
How often should I water the garden?
Hedges Direct gives an approximate watering routine, weather dependant. It says to ramp up the watering process in the event of a mini-spring heatwave to around two to three times per week, as long as it lasts. But, on average, a once a week watering session for the garden is generally fine.
However, there are some exceptions for specific plants that maybe could do with some extra care and attention. People should be aware of wilting leaves, plants that are swooning, and flowers that are hanging their heads. These could be tell-tale signs that certain plants need more water than others.
Monty Don has previously told people to begin cutting the lawn around mid-March, but to avoid cutting it too short. This advice has also been echoed by Mr Haydon who said lawns will naturally have a bit of a growth spurt as longer sunshine hours grace the nation. “A mowing height of around 2.5 cm promotes healthy grass growth, balancing oxygen and sunlight absorption without exposing the lawn to potential threats,” he said. Lawns can generally be mowed shorter in warmer weather that is more or less guaranteed to stick around – in the months of May and June onwards.