Watering well
- Water in the cool of the evening or very early morning, not during the day when most water evaporates before reaching the roots.
- Apply water to the base of plants so it soaks down to the roots. In hot weather, give a good soak at intervals rather than a daily sprinkle.
- Channel water to thirsty plants like tomatoes by burying a flowerpot alongside and filling that with water.
- Store as much rainfall as you can in water butts from the roof of your house, garage, shed or greenhouse — it’s warmer and less of a shock to roots than mains water.
- Add water-retaining granules to compost in pots, baskets and containers; roots draw moisture from the saturated granules as needed.
- A hose with a spray gun saves time — pick one that doesn’t leak, with a flow control (40–100%). Aerated spray settings use less water.
You may only use drip irrigation if it comes from your water butt, within the Richmond upon Thames allotment T&Cs.
