After a welcome spell of rain across much of the UK, many of us have happily put away the watering can and left our gardens in nature's hands. However, this could be doing more harm than good.
While the recent weather may have brought some relief to parched plants, it hasn't done enough to reverse the effects of one of the driest springs on record. In fact, experts warn that many gardens remain severely dehydrated.
Earlier this year, large parts of the UK experienced exceptionally low rainfall, with March proving particularly dry. The prolonged lack of moisture left lawns, borders, and flower beds struggling, and the effects are still being felt weeks later.
'These showers we have been experiencing are not anywhere near enough to meet the needs of our chronically dehydrated gardens at the moment,' says Ellen Fletcher, gardening expert at MyBuilder. 'Even a proper deluge often does not meet the needs of our plants – despite what we think, water from rain showers evaporates fast and doesn't reach the roots.'
The problem is being compounded by patches of bare soil left behind by plants that have died off during the dry spell. Exposed earth loses moisture more quickly and can become depleted of nutrients, making it harder for surrounding plants to thrive.
'After such a prolonged period of dry weather this spring, even torrential rain does not cut the mustard when it comes to properly watering your plants,' Ellen continues. When plants are in pots, the drops often bounce off leaves and don't even get into the soil, and newly established ones need consistent soil moisture, which rainfall won't provide.
'While it may often seem like it's rained a lot, the reality is that heavy rain events won't be enough,' she adds. 'If in doubt, I'd always advise continuing regular watering and regular checks to check the soil has enough moisture.'
The key is to never assume that a few rainy days have solved prolonged periods of sun. Checking the soil regularly and maintaining a consistent watering routine will help plants recover from the dry spring and keep your garden healthy and happy as summer arrives.
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