How much to water and when is a difficult question to answer but it is one constantly asked by customers at the Green Door. Often stressed leaves are brought in and it really is hard to determine sometimes whether the plant is stressed from over water, or indeed under watering. People’s perception of “enough” water varies tremendously!

I will “attempt” to give a rough guide to watering newly planted shrubs. i.e. shrubs that have been planted in late November – December. Firstly, practically NO PLANT likes to be constantly wet. Continually wet roots are a forerunner to root rot. Roots rot more quickly in warm, wet conditions than in dry, cool conditions. Whilst we don’t want the plant to die from dryness, nor do we want it to die from constant wet feet.

• Water thoroughly every 2-3 days. Concentrate on where the water is going – hand water directly around the newly planted shrub avoiding the foliage. If possible water late afternoon or early morning. If watering in the heat of the day do not get the foliage wet as this will cause burning (looks like blond-beige scorching). It is best if the shrub gets a thorough watering and then is allowed to dry out a little, then water again. Bear in mind that the shrub hasn’t been in the ground long enough to push its roots into the new soil – so watering directly around the shrub is what is most necessary.

 

• If you are having trouble getting water into the ground and water is constantly running off – use a little SaturAid around the new plant. This eases the friction between the ground and the water and your water will go exactly where you are directing it. SaturAid is ideal for vege gardens and banks – everywhere really (including pots) , especially in drought conditions.

During January and February it can be exceedingly hot and watering a new shrub twice a week will not be sufficient. With temperatures in the mid-high 20’s+ and with some wind newly planted shrubs can stress quite quickly.

• Tops of branches “nodding”. Although this can happen even with well watered plants. If you have watered thoroughly in the morning and the shrub is in full sun and the temperature is up to 30 degrees its quite normal that heads may droop – don’t water again – watch the plant and see if it perks up in the evening or is right by the next morning. As long as you’ve watered correctly the plant will be fine. It’s simply feeling the heat like you!

 

• Symptoms of under-watered plants: Tips of leaves going brown – this is often the first sign. The plant is managing to get water up from its roots and out to most of its branches but there’s not enough to go right to the end of every branch and therefore the leaf tips dry off and go brittle.

 

• Whole leaves crisping up.

 

• Symptoms of root rot include: Yellow foliage and drooping leaves – generally a mopping looking plant.

 

Helpful hints for planting in summer

Because you can continue planting – you just have to remember what you’ve planted and where!

• Add water crystals to the surrounding soil as these will take up water and disperse it over the next couple of days.

 

•  Add SaturAid around the planting area so that any water soaks directly into the ground.

 

• If planting with a clay pan underneath add gypsum to the planting hole and surrounding area.