You might be silently killing your beautiful garden through an easily avoidable mistake, expert warns ahead of spring
PREPARING your garden for spring is no small feat, especially when it comes to your blooms.
But according to one gardening expert, there’s a common mistake you could be making that’s ruining your garden – and it’s easily avoidable.
Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, revealed that overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes she sees time and time again.
It’s easy to think your garden needs more water than it actually does, especially during the spring and summer months.
But the truth is overwatering is just as bad as forgetting to water your blooms altogether.
“Overwatering suffocates the roots, leading to rot, disease and weak plants that struggle to survive,” the pro told Express.co.uk.
Of course, it’s still important to make sure your plants are getting plenty of water, but too much could damage their roots, essentially killing them.
This happens because too much moisture stops oxygen getting to the roots of the plants, which can lead to decay, the pro explained.
She added: “If your flowers are turning yellow, wilting despite damp soil, or developing mould on the surface, chances are they’re getting too much water.”
And if your plants are wilting, it doesn’t always mean they need a drink either.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions, according to the pro.
“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,” she said.
So, to keep your plans thriving, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, always check the soil of your plants before watering.
You can do this by sticking your finger roughly an inch into the soil – damp soil can hold out a bit longer for more water.
When the soil is dry, try to give it some water in the morning so it can absorb the goodness before it gets too hot during the day.
And to make life easier, plant flowers with similar watering needs close to each other.
This will make keeping to a watering schedule much easier.
MORE WATERING MISTKAES
It’s a common misconception that all plants require the same amount of water – leaving some plants either overwatered or lacking hydration, which could lead to the death of the plant.
Thankfully, gardening whizz Muhammed Haq from Norfolk Garden Buildings has come to rescue, highlighting five common errors made while watering plants, reported the Express.
Overdoing the water pressure
If your home comes equipped with the handy hose linked to the main water supply, you may not think much about the water pressure – and how it could have a negative impact on the plants.
The pro stressed the importance to “keep the pressure low” to avoid damage to the delicate leaves, disturbance to soil around roots – and in some cases complete uprooting at the base.
Neglecting mulch
Applying mulch, whether that’s for garden beds or containers, is a key step green-fingered Brits should take into account.
Not only does mulch suppress any growth of pesky weeds and enhance soil health, but this crucial element also retains the moisture levels in soil.
Watering only the foliage
When watering plants, it’s detrimental to ensure the water goes where it is needed the most – the roots.
According to the whizz, many gardeners fall into the “simple (though significant) error of watering only the leaves and flowers”, neglecting the roots.
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.