This is how your plants survive the summer: The best watering tips!

This is how your plants survive the summer: The best watering tips!

With the rising temperatures in summer, many garden lovers are asked to optimally water their plants. The hot months in particular bring with them major challenges that need to be mastered well. According to the South German newspaper Regular watering is essential to protect plants from heat and drought. You should use a watering can, especially in the early morning hours or late evening, to minimize evaporation.

A correct watering rhythm plays a crucial role. The German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) recommends watering the plants intensively once or twice a week. This allows the water to reach deeper layers of the soil, which is particularly important for young plants that need to root well. The following applies to lawns and other crops: water directly in the root area to make the best possible use of the valuable liquid.

Amounts of water for different plants

The way you water your plants also depends on root depth. Do you want to water vegetable beds properly? A distinction is made between shallow-rooted, medium-rooted and deep-rooted. Shallow-rooted plants such as lettuces or radishes require a maximum root depth of 20 cm and should be supplied with around 15 liters per m², divided into 2-3 doses per week. Medium-rooted plants such as peppers get by with 20 liters per m², while deep-rooted plants such as tomatoes are best supplied with 25 liters once a week.

Flowering plants also have their special needs. Shallow-rooted plants such as forsythia or hydrangeas should best be watered daily with 15 liters per m², while tall-growing plants such as daisies only need 25 liters once a week. Fruit trees should be watered even more generously: Shallow-rooted plants such as apple trees require 50 liters of water per week; in dry conditions this amount can increase to up to 100 liters.

Potted and patio plants

Potted plants are particularly thirsty in the summer heat and require more frequent watering. The Garden expert recommends checking the moisture content of the soil daily. Make sure that excess water can drain out of the pots as they can dry out quickly. Clay or terracotta pots store water much better, but also require more frequent watering than their plastic counterparts. For newly planted trees, it is worth using irrigation bags to ensure the water supply.

Proper watering can mean the difference between a thriving garden landscape and dull, drying plants. Don't forget: Rainwater is softer than tap water and should be collected if possible. With these tips, every gardening enthusiast can master the big business of watering!