Watering outdoor plants and flowers in the summer

In general, it's easiest to water with a hose. If you don't have the option, a watering can or something similar can do the job, and you can also add liquid fertilizer to the water.

Plants need more water in the summer than in spring and fall. On very hot days, plants can't use the water efficiently enough. It’s best to water in the morning or late evening when it’s cooler.
First, check if the soil is moist by feeling it with your fingers. This is the easiest way to determine whether a plant needs water. In most cases, the soil should be lightly moist. If the soil is wet, avoid watering. If the soil is hard and dry, the plant needs more water, or you may need to water more frequently.

An overwatered plant can droop with its leaves, much like it would if it received too little water, so it's wise to check with your fingers.

• Very dry soil = water more/frequently.
• Dry or lightly moist soil = water as usual.
• Wet soil = water less/less frequently.

• Large pots and large soil volumes provide larger water reserves
  In pots on a balcony or terrace, the soil volume, and therefore the water availability, is limited. By planting in large pots with good soil, you give your plants a better chance to grow and thrive while reducing the need for frequent watering. Plants also don’t do well if they receive too much water, but with holes in the bottom of the pot and expanded clay balls at the bottom, excess water can drain away.

• Watering vegetables
  In general, vegetables need more and more consistent access to water than other plants. In vegetable gardens and plant boxes, you can set up a sprinkler connected to a timer.

• Watering in the garden
  Plants that are well-established in the ground (not newly planted) generally do better and can survive longer without water. Only during long periods without rain may they need extra watering. Check the soil by sticking your finger about 10 cm deep to see if it’s dry or moist. Water thoroughly and less frequently rather than a small amount of water more often. If you want to water larger areas of the garden, a sprinkler is a good option. For hedges and flower beds, you can roll out a drip or soaker hose.

• Newly planted plants
  When planting, all plants should be watered thoroughly so the root ball is soaked. Afterward, let the soil dry out before watering again. During the first season, newly planted plants need extra help to absorb the right amount of water. You can read more about the care of garden plants here.

• Watering a lawn
  A lawn that has been allowed to grow for a few years without regular watering has roots that reach deeper into the soil. This allows the lawn to do better during dry periods. Of course, the lawn becomes greener and lusher when it has consistent access to water, but depending on the size of the plot, water consumption can become too high for it to be possible to maintain with artificial watering.

If the summer is hot and dry, some municipalities will impose a watering ban to secure the water supply. To be able to water sensitive plants, you can collect rainwater in rain barrels or similar containers.

• The best thing you can do to keep your plants alive while you're on vacation is, of course, to have a neighbor or a family member stop by to water them occasionally. Alternatively, if you have the possibility, you can move plants that are placed in warm and sunny spots to a shaded area to reduce their water needs and evaporation.

• You can also fill plastic bottles with water and stick them upside down into the soil, allowing the water to slowly seep out over time. Use more and larger bottles for thirstier plants. It's a good idea to water all your plants well before leaving, so the roots are thoroughly moistened.

• Another solution is to take the most sensitive plants with you on vacation if possible. Herb cultivation bags make it easy to move and take plants along.

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