Proper Watering Techniques for your Trees, Shrubs & Hanging Baskets

As the weather heats up, so does the need to water your plants properly.

This blog will tell you everything you need to know about watering, too much or too little. For an easy reminder make sure you're following us online or come into the Garden Center closest to you for some more easy to apply tips! 

Every summer we see customers arrive at the garden centre with crunchy leaves in hand, convinced they have done everything right because they were watering every day.

The truth is, more water does not always mean better watering. Understanding how and when to water makes all the difference for trees, shrubs, and hanging baskets.

Watering Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs do not need a little bit of water every day. In fact, frequent shallow watering can do more harm than good.

Established trees and shrubs, especially during a heat wave, benefit from a long, deep soaking every five to seven days. Newly planted trees and shrubs require more frequent watering, usually every two to three days, until they are established.

Standing over a plant with a hose end sprayer and watering until the soil pools and runs off is not effective for two reasons. First, very few of us have the patience to stand there long enough to truly soak the soil. Second, much of that water runs off the surface instead of penetrating deeply where the roots need it most.

A slow, gentle sprinkler or a soaker hose left in place for about twenty minutes is the best method. This mimics natural rainfall and allows moisture to soak down into the root zone where it does the most good.

Watering Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a different story altogether. Extreme heat and wind are their biggest enemies, and consistent watering and fertilizing are essential to keep them looking their best.

Baskets in full sun need to be watered every day and sometimes twice a day during hot, windy weather. Try to water early in the morning, then check them again later in the day when you get home. Baskets in part shade or full shade may need watering every day or every second day, depending on conditions.

The easiest way to tell if a hanging basket needs water is to place your hand underneath it. If it feels heavy, it is fine. If it feels light, it needs water.

When watering baskets and planters, always give them a long, thorough soaking rather than a small amount of water. Water until it runs out the bottom of the container to ensure the roots are fully saturated.

By June, any fertilizer originally added by the grower has been used up. To keep baskets flowering all summer long, fertilize at least once a week. These plants are working hard to put on a show, and they need nutrients to keep producing blooms. Choose a fertilizer that contains micronutrients for best results.

One Final Reminder

Constant shallow watering encourages shallow root growth in all plants, including your lawn. Deep, consistent watering builds stronger root systems and healthier plants that are better able to handle heat and drought.

Happy watering,
Kelly