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to dangerous chemicals getting into the plant where it can get to the roots more
water system as the weed killers run off into quickly. Watering leaves can often mis-
rivers and brooks and storm drains, thus direct the water away from the roots.
contaminating fresh water supplies. Minimise evaporation of water in the
greenhouse and thus the need for constant
Mulching is important for several reasons. It watering by leaving the door and windows
helps to retain moisture in the ground and of the greenhouse open, even overnight.
helps to suppress weeds. Buying mulches
such as compost, bark chippings and gravel If you can, collect water via guttering, into
can become prohibitively expensive. Setting water butts. If you are struggling to buy a
up your own composting system to create water butt whilst B and Q type stores are
your own mulch is a good idea, but it takes shut, use an empty brown garden waste bin
time and again can be expensive if you start as a temporary water butt. Use washing up
buying readymade systems. Try using water if there are water shortages and
pallets, making three sides of a square with concentrate watering on plants that are
three pallets, leaving one side open to add particularly thirsty, such as bedding plants
material and remove the compost. Wire or newly planted perennials.
mesh or chicken wire can do the same job. I
use the grass cuttings from mowing the lawn THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN IN
as a mulch at the back of the border. There MAY
is no need to put them in the brown bin, Continue to water and weed.
especially now, whilst the brown bins are not
being emptied. Because brown bins are not being emptied
at the moment, use grass cuttings as a mulch
Watering is another everyday reality of and start a compost heap if you can, to
gardening. Periods of rain can be a welcome effectively use garden waste.
relief, but by mid-summer, watering is the
number one job in the garden, closely If you have perennial plants in the garden,
followed by weeding. lift and divide where possible, to increase
your stock and get better ground coverage.
When to water? First thing in the morning
or early evening are the best time. Scorching Try growing seeds and bulbs. Plant
can be an issue, but, more importantly, tomatoes, peppers and cucumber. You can
watering when the temperature is high can grow them outside, especially against a
lead to evaporation of water before the water sunny wall or fence. Plant out courgettes if
can get into the soil. Water the base of the

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