I would say that 8 out of 10 people who come into our shop to buy plants look puzzled and ask me :" how often am I to water these plants? I can't seem to master the concept of watering"

Here is some useful information which I have put together for the benefit of those who are attempting gardening here in Malta, especially during the hot seasons of Summer when plants have to be watered frequently - if not daily.

Never water in the sun as the earth will be hot and therefore evaporation is rather quick. For full benefit of watering do so either in the morning or in the evening.

Another important factor is not to use tap water. Here in Malta water is always scarce but its lime is plentiful and as a consequence this makes the soil even more limey.If you don't have a well you should only grow plants which flower in Spring and don't need water during the winter months except for a one off watering during long dry periods. Lime hating plants in this case could be watered by collecting rain water in a small tank in the corner of your gardens. 

Different soils require different watering maintenance; however in general sandy and dusty soils require frequent watering whilst red and greasy soils retain water much better. By adding compost to soil you will be inrcreasing its water holding capacity.

Watering is such an important factor that it is better to leave your gardens empty and clean in the Summer period knowing that in Spring it will be full of flowers, than to have a garden full of half-starved plants lacking full attention.

In general it is better to water thoroughly but infrequently by giving the soil a good watering than following just a little water every now and again. An idea of how to go about it is to dig a trough around the plant, obviously taking care not to expose the roots, and pouring the water into it. When applying this method don't forget to refill the trough to prevent water evaporation. Of course this isn't valid for plants which need daily watering.

Another method of watering may be yet adopted if the plants are planted in narrow rows. Make a shallow trench all the way round the plants, but this time a short distance away from the stems. At this stage when water is poured  into the trench it will reach the roots without caking the soil in the immediate vicinty of the plant.

 

One last but vital point is to always check if the plants need watering before doing so. One way of doing this is by digging a small hole with your finger and touching the soil/compost beneath the surface. Only water when compost is dry as unlike camels plants are not supposed to store uneccessary water.

Good Luck and do come and visit us at Firm Romano Cassar.

Debbie 

The above is only an advise and Firm Romano Cassar can't be held responsible for any harmful results.