Top Tips to Prevent Overwatering in your Garden

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At Red Deer Village, the retirement park on the outskirts of Glasgow, Scotland, we find many of our residents now have a lot more time on their hands. Downsizing from a large family home also means downsizing on the upkeep that comes with it, allowing you more free time to do what you like. Our residents will often take up new hobbies, such as meeting their neighbours in our residents hub for a coffee and a chat, line dancing in the local church, reading (with the help of our hub book swap), gardening, baking, travelling and much more! When it comes to the green fingered, our on site gardeners are happy to give advice and tips. Today we look at overwatering your garden.

Overwatering is a common mistake often made by gardeners, that can cause root rot, poor plant health and wasted resources. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to do – especially in Scottish gardens that are subject to more rainfall than most. Understanding how to water your garden correctly is crucial for enjoying an outdoor space full of healthy, thriving plants – but how much is too much? Here, we explore some top tips to avoid overwatering and help keep your garden in prime condition.

Knowing your soil and plants’ needs

Different species of plants require different types of soil and various amounts of water, so it’s crucial to understand the composition of your garden. Sandy soil drains quickly and needs frequent watering, whereas clay-rich soil retains moisture. Loam is a mix of sand, silt and clay, which has moderate water retention properties and is ideal for many plants. 

Native plants and drought-tolerant species often require less water compared to more thirsty annual blooms or vegetables – especially those from more tropical climates. Before planting your garden, research the needs of your desired plants and group similar species together to help you water them more efficiently.

Water at the right time

Watering your garden in the morning reduces evaporation, ensuring more water reaches the roots and avoiding using excessive amounts of water. This also helps you to avoid the urge to overwater later in the day. By the time the sun heats the topsoil, the water will have already reached the roots.

Evening watering can cause water to sit on the surface of the soil, potentially leading to mould and fungal growth. 

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Irrigation, drainage, and mulch

There are a number of ways to water your garden other than standing over your plants with a hose or watering can. Drip irrigation is excellent for targeting the root zone and minimising water waste, while soaker hoses allow for slow, deep watering throughout the soil. Sprinklers are often used for larger areas, but be sure to set them up with a timer to avoid over-soaking an area.

For plants in pots or containers, ensure they have drainage holes on the bottom to avoid water pooling around the roots, as this can cause root rot. Use potting mixes to promote airflow and water movement through the soil. 

Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps to retain moisture within the soil and reduce evaporation. Organic mulches like straw, leaves, or wood chips can also be used to improve soil quality over time, as well as to prevent common pests and diseases.

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Keep an eye on your plants

There are some common signs of overwatering to keep an eye out for in your garden. By learning to recognise the symptoms, you can work to fix the problem before it kills your plants. Yellow leaves, wilting and mould or fungus growth are common signs of overwatering. The plant struggles to thrive due to its roots becoming waterlogged and suffocated. 

Proper watering is an art that requires a little patience to master, but by starting with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a colourful, luscious garden. 

If you do need a little more help with your garden, our gardeners can keep on top of it for you for a small charge. This can allow you to look into those other hobbies and interests you may have! To find out more about Red Deer Village or our residential park homes for sale, please contact us. A member of our team will be happy to help.

garden Red Deer Village

Author: CompareTheMarket
Editor: Red Deer Village