When and how to water your plants

It may seem easy enough to give your plants some water, since it's a given that you'll have to — but the time of day, frequency of watering, volume of water and other details do make a difference.

Regular watering — not too much, not too little — is important for all plants. Collecting rainwater in a barrel or cistern for use during dry spells is an ancient practice that can be used by anyone today, even if you have only a small vegetable garden. It may seem easy enough to give your plants some water, since it's a given that you'll have to — but the time of day, frequency of watering, volume of water and other details do make a difference.

• Water hedges and plants in both the flower and vegetable gardens before 9:30 a.m. The leaves will dry off quickly, reducing the risk of a fungal infection. If you water plants at night, the dirt surrounding them remains wet, potentially causing the roots to rot — plus, the moisture could attract snails.
• Water infrequently, but thoroughly. The pauses between watering leave time for a branching, deeper root system to form in the drier soil. Don't waterlog your plants in heavy soil.
• Make an inexpensive soaker hose at home from an old garden hose: drill some small holes into it, connect it to the main hose, and presto, you've got an effective, efficient watering system.
• Be particularly careful not to water the leaves of melons, bell peppers and tomatoes. You might even shake rainwater from the leaves to ensure fungal diseases don't set in.
• Don't water blooms. In the sunlight, the little water droplets act like a magnifying glass, potentially burning the delicate blossoms.
• During hot summer weather, just spray the plants — but don't do it in bright sunshine.
• Young sprouts need more water than plants that are several years old with deep root systems.
• Make sure the water is lukewarm, and let it stand before use.
• If you water intensively with a watering can every couple of days in the summer heat, repeat the process after about 30 minutes. The water will penetrate deeper into the soil.
• Using a sprinkler? Check how far down the soil is dry. If the first 2.5 centimetres (one inch) of soil is dry, figure on watering for about 60 minutes, and if the first five centimetres (two inches) is dry, water for 90 minutes.
• Water bushes and shrubs in the root area beneath the outer branches. During dry periods, large trees need plenty of water, especially fruit trees when they're blossoming or when fruit is ripening. Water for several hours.And there you have it. With these plant-watering tips, you should be well on your way to a brighter garden.