Politics
Gardeners Should Check Their Leaves In The Morning This Summer
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As we head into summer, your garden might start to suffer from a lack of sweet H2O.
There are some tests you can run to make sure your grass is getting all it needs, though. Placing a pan of water on your lawn will tell you how much has evaporated from your soil, while footprints that stay imprinted on your garden long after you’ve strolled over it might mean it’s on the verge of drying out.
Additionally, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said that looking at your leaves in the morning could help gardeners evaluate their hydration situation.
Why should I look at my leaves in the morning?
The RHS stressed that “Established trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials in beds and borders will only need watering in extreme drought,” adding you should only water the most stressed plants in these cases.
And one of the signs of that dehydration-related stress shows in their leaves, they added.
“Drooping leaves, especially in the early morning, often indicate drought,” they advised.
The Duchy of Cornwall Nursery said that often, established and slightly dehydrated plants “perk up” at night.
But the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources added “Wilting or drooping leaves that do not return to normal (without additional water) by
morning” are a sign of drought-related plant stress.
What should I do if I suspect drought?
Try to water slowly and evenly, so that the soil is hydrated 15cm or so beneath the surface, the RHS said.
Rainwater is better for plants than tap water. And it’s generally best to water in the morning – this both helps to repel hungry slugs at night and gives grass more of a chance to absorb the liquid.
If you’re watering garden plants, try to point the nozzle of your watering can right at their base, so that you hit the roots instead of the leaves (watering leaves on a sunny day can sometimes scald them).
And potted plants sometimes benefit from a jacuzzi: if dehydrated, sit them in a sink or bath of water and let them drink for a while.
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