Taking care of plants during the hot weather can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping them hydrated. Dry weather in the UK often results in hosepipe bans being introduced across the country too, leaving plants vulnerable to drought.
While droughts and dry spells can seriously compromise the health of plants, too much water can also damage them. It’s not uncommon for downpours of rain to occur after hot weather either, and while you might think that your plants are getting enough water from this rain, it’s still essential to check in on them afterwards. There’s one simple check you can do after it rains to ensure your plants don’t suddenly wilt on you days later.
Letting plants soak up the rain might seem like the best way to hydrate them, but housekeeping and gardening expert at Southern Living, Mary Marlowe Leverette, has urged gardeners to check their soil after it rains.
It can be difficult to know how much water your plants are getting from rain water, and if this is actually being absorbed into the soil.
While a sudden downpour might feel like a blessing for thirsty plants, Mary explained that if the soil is dry, the water can often run off plants instead of being absorbed into the soil.
This could also happen if you’ve been slightly too generous with watering your plants, and the soil has become waterlogged, but a simple soil check can ensure your plants stay healthy.
To do this, Mary advises removing some soil near to the plant’s roots and suggests aiming to go at least six inches deep to get a more accurate sense of how moist the soil is.
You’ll be able to tell if your plants are in need of watering by simply squeezing the soil in your hands. If it’s powdery and falls apart, it’s too dry, and if it drips water, it’s too wet.
Instead, Mary said the soil should be damp enough that it can cling together to form a soft ball in the palm of your hand and stick together.
It’s crucial to do this with all of your plants, especially if you’ve used different soil for them, as the water tolerance will depend on this. While sandy soil passes water quickly, clay soil holds onto it for much longer.
Doing this quick check will also let you know when you should next water your plants, or how often to water them after heavy rain, based on the soil’s moisture.
If you’ve got potted plants, Mary advises pouring out excess water by lifting the pots so it can drain out from here. You should then wait until soil has dried at least two inches deep before watering them again.