CARE & MAINTENANCE
For the first year or two after planting, you'll need to make sure that the plants are kept really well watered. To water effectively, it is also essential to apply the water in the right place. This means watering only the roots of those plants that need it and not wastefully sprinkling it over the whole garden. Also, it is far better to thoroughly soak the soil around the rootball periodically, rather than taking the ‘little and often' approach. In fact, watering little and often can actually make matters worse, because by only moistening the soil's surface, you'll encourage the formation of shallow roots - and this will make the plants more susceptible to drought later on. Timing is important too, with the best time being early in the evening. Watering late in the day will not only minimise the amount of water lost through evaporation, it will also eliminate any possibility of delicate plants getting scorched. If you can't water late in the day, the next best thing is to water first thing in the morning.
CROCUS TIP - WATERWISE TIPS FOR POTS
Add some water-storing crystals
When potting up your plants, mix in some of these and they'll absorb and hold onto water, slowly releasing it to the plants as they need it.
Opt for larger pots
Because they can hold more compost, larger pots tend to need watering less often - and they'll also keep the plant's roots cooler in the heat.
Choose pots that help retain water
Plastic, fibreglass, glazed terracotta or wooden pots tend to lose less water through evaporation. Porous terracotta pots are perfect for Mediterranean-style plants that don't mind getting a little dry once they're established.
Do I need to water drought tolerant plants?
When plants are described as being drought tolerant, it usually refers to those that are well established - so even 'drought tolerant' plants will need regular watering in their first year.
Learn about the plants in your garden
Once your plants are in the ground, spend some time learning about their likes and dislikes, because they'll all need different care at different times of the year. Whether it's a general tidy, pinching off the faded flowers, giving them a feed or carrying out some formative pruning, a little well-timed tlc will work wonders. If you can, make a few notes in your diary as a reminder.
Feeding
As we've already discussed, watering is the first priority, but as plants draw nutrients from the soil, these need to be replaced, so regular feeding is also important. There is a huge range of fertilisers available, some you dilute in a watering can and other you apply to the soil so choose whatever is easiest for you. IIf you have your own compost bin, or have made some leaf mould, then an application in spring or autumn will work wonders - adding nutrients as well as helping to improve its structure.
Mulching
Covering the soil around your plants with a generous layer of composted organic matter is one of the best things you can do for your borders. Not only does it help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperatures, but it will also reduce weed growth and damage from slugs and snails - all while improving the soil structure and supplying your plants with a steady supply of nutrients.
Pruning
This will vary from plant to plant and while some require little (if any) pruning, others may need a short crop at certain times of the year - and this is where your research will really pay off. Whatever you prune however, the golden rule is to remove the 3 D's (anything dead, damaged or diseased), and when pruning woody-stemmed plants, remove any branches that are crossing or causing congestion.
Deadheading
Pinching off any flowers that are past their best is a quick and easy way to keep the display looking fresh. It will also encourage many plants to produce even more flowers, which is why gardeners use this technique to prolong the flowering season. If you are growing hardy annuals, do leave a few flowers intact toward the end of summer so they can set seed. Once ripened, these can then be sown again for the following year's display.
STAKING
New trees may need to be staked - particularly if they are planted in an exposed position and will be vulnerable to wind-rock. To avoid damaging the rootball, ideally this should be done when they're being planted, positioning the stake upwind from the tree's stem. Secure it with a soft tree tie, tethered lower down the stem in a figure of eight. That way, it won't damage the bark, but will allow for some movement for the top growth. Check the tie regularly to see if it needs to be loosened, and remove the stake when the tree is well established.
CROCUS TIP
How to cope with hot summers
Watering is the number 1 priority for your newly planted garden, but with busy lifestyles and summer heat waves, it's not always possible to water as much as we'd like. There are however a couple of things that you can do that will help safeguard your plants against drought.
Make sure your soil contains plenty of organic matter
Digging in lots of compost, manure, soil improver or conditioner will not only boost your soil's essential nutrients, but it will also help lock in the water.
Apply a generous layer of mulch
By creating a natural barrier on the surface of the soil, mulches help reduce weeds, reduce water evaporation and keep temperatures around the plants rootball stable. They'll also help reduce slug and snail damage.
Install a soaker hose or automatic irrigation system
Save time and energy on manual watering by weaving a soaker hose through your borders, or set up an irrigation system and link it to a timer that's attached to your tap. If you're caught up at the office, or lying on a sun-lounger in Barbados, the garden will still get watered!
GARDEN CARE KIT
Further reading
Advice on watering
