[katiekate]

I can't remember the last time it rained here in Bristol..

So let's have your best watering tips..

I'll start:

1. Hoe- cracks in the ground are not good news so hoe to fill them.
2. Mulch- anything to cover the ground and prevent evaporation, remember to weigh light mulch down as newspaper will dry and blow around.
3. Puddle- when you put in new plants, fill the hole you dug with water, and give it a good water after too.
4. Plastic bottles- if you can submerge drinks bottles upside down with the bottom cut off near thirsty plants. Fill these up and water can get directly to the roots.

Anyone got any others??

[stompy]

Water just before dark or first thing in the morning.

[Trillium]

Soaker hoses run close to plants and covered with mulch work better than hosepipes or watering cans, and can be run on timers.

Bathwater can be scooped out and used around flowers (saves a lot of mains money with double use)

Straw and wood chips are better mulches than newspapers. About 3" thick is good and also keeps weeds down.

To keep plants healthy, a good drink of water is superior to dribbles of water.