Here's how to save time.
1. Watering little and often does more harm than good because it keeps the roots near the soil surface. It's better to give your plants a really thorough soaking less often.
2. Water plants late in the evening or early in the morning to reduce loss through evaparation.
3. Don't use too harsh a jet- gentle showering, directed at the base of plants, encourages water to seep into the soil gradually.
4. Mould a slight hollow in the soil around any particularly needy plants so water can collect around them.
5. Direct water to the roots of a newly plants tree or shrub by burying a plastic bottle- with the bottom cut off and the open spout downwards-alongside the stem. Top up regularly.
6. Don't water too early in the season unless absolutely necessary, as it'll encourage sappy growth. Plants grown hard, at their own pace, will flower better an dfor longer.
