Thank you! It takes about an hour to water the terrace. Little bit less for the courtyard (as there’s a second courtyard I rarely show). In a heatwave I do it twice a week. But I’ll keep an eye out for dried out compost and anything drooping. I feel that’s the importance of larger pots. Anything smaller than a bucket just dries out too quickly.
I had to research what IBC tanks are, and now I realise what they are, I’m wondering how you keep the insides clean? Do you sit them on the ground or on a frame? I’m curious about how they work.
You can do either. Raise them on bricks/blocks if you need access for the tap and a watering can, or leave them on the ground if you’re using a pump/hose.
It's so satisfying being able to take your time eating the plants, really connecting and getting to know them. Unfortunately not always possible with a busy life style but I try as much as I can. Recently I purchased a rechargeable battery operated watering device which means that I can now use all my rain water with ease. Whereas before I had to dip watering cans into my galvanised trought or wait for it to fill up under the tap of a water butt, now I just deep the hose pipe in and water with ease. The hose is a generous 5 metres and the battery lasts for over an hour. It only cost about £20 and I already can't believe how I managed without this ingenious device before 😊
Absolutely. Couldn’t agree more. It’s an important connection for every gardener. The gadget sounds great. I’ve just received a (battery powered) submersible pump from Gardena. Just waiting to get my IBC tank sorted.
Thank you! Ah, yes. A good watering can is like an old friend. I have two plastic ones, but recently made a new acquaintance with a Haws. Dark green. Brass rose. Gorgeous. Plants really do have different needs. They transpire at different rates. Require more or less moisture. Enjoy sitting in a water bowl or need to drain. It's a learning curve! Really glad you enjoyed the article.
Love it! I like copper watering cans. I bought a “magnetizer” for the hose… any thoughts on that? Haven’t used it yet. I also draw out water for many watering cans and let them set a day or 2 before using.
Copper cans are lush! I have two antiques - one is called The Elliott (definitely high quality! - But there ornamental really. Although I use them for indoor plants and seedlings now and again. I am looking at a magnaflow. I met them at a recent press event. It's one recommended by Charles Dowding. Just clamps over a hose pipe. I have very hard water so really like the idea of the softening! I think if you have sensitive acid loving plants, definitely let tap water breath. Or fill a can using a spray so the chlorine aerosols and disperses quicker. I am setting up an IBC to harvest maximum rain water and that'll be in an upcoming piece. Happy watering!
Nothing like early morning watering on a hot day - one of my favourite jobs. I operate a 2 watering can system where I stretch a hose to where I’m watering and fill up the cans by putting the hose inside it. I can then water with one while the other is filling. You have to be quick though!
Such a good explanation, thank you! How much time do you need to water all your pots? Do you do it daily in the heatwave?
Thank you! It takes about an hour to water the terrace. Little bit less for the courtyard (as there’s a second courtyard I rarely show). In a heatwave I do it twice a week. But I’ll keep an eye out for dried out compost and anything drooping. I feel that’s the importance of larger pots. Anything smaller than a bucket just dries out too quickly.
Thank you for your answer! I'll try your method and buy larger pots then as well.
Very welcome
Good post, always surprised people don't know this.
Thank you! Me too. I have friends that still readily kill their potted plants through lack of water :-)
Always in the morning here ! Xx
A very informative and enjoyable read. I will certainly be thinking more about how I water in future. Thanks so much
Thank you. Much appreciated!
I had to research what IBC tanks are, and now I realise what they are, I’m wondering how you keep the insides clean? Do you sit them on the ground or on a frame? I’m curious about how they work.
They are very hard to ‘physically clean’ inside so you use a treatment like this: https://envii.co.uk/products/water-butt-klear
You can do either. Raise them on bricks/blocks if you need access for the tap and a watering can, or leave them on the ground if you’re using a pump/hose.
Thank you I really enjoyed reading this informative and really helpful piece.
An, thank you for reading! Great to hear you enjoyed it.
It's so satisfying being able to take your time eating the plants, really connecting and getting to know them. Unfortunately not always possible with a busy life style but I try as much as I can. Recently I purchased a rechargeable battery operated watering device which means that I can now use all my rain water with ease. Whereas before I had to dip watering cans into my galvanised trought or wait for it to fill up under the tap of a water butt, now I just deep the hose pipe in and water with ease. The hose is a generous 5 metres and the battery lasts for over an hour. It only cost about £20 and I already can't believe how I managed without this ingenious device before 😊
Absolutely. Couldn’t agree more. It’s an important connection for every gardener. The gadget sounds great. I’ve just received a (battery powered) submersible pump from Gardena. Just waiting to get my IBC tank sorted.
Great advice thank you!
I have realized just this week I need to invest in a good watering can. The $5 plastic one just leaves a dribbling mess.
I love your approach to take your time and get to know each plant.
I do think they each have their own personalities and you need to get to know each one.
Thank you! Ah, yes. A good watering can is like an old friend. I have two plastic ones, but recently made a new acquaintance with a Haws. Dark green. Brass rose. Gorgeous. Plants really do have different needs. They transpire at different rates. Require more or less moisture. Enjoy sitting in a water bowl or need to drain. It's a learning curve! Really glad you enjoyed the article.
Love it! I like copper watering cans. I bought a “magnetizer” for the hose… any thoughts on that? Haven’t used it yet. I also draw out water for many watering cans and let them set a day or 2 before using.
Copper cans are lush! I have two antiques - one is called The Elliott (definitely high quality! - But there ornamental really. Although I use them for indoor plants and seedlings now and again. I am looking at a magnaflow. I met them at a recent press event. It's one recommended by Charles Dowding. Just clamps over a hose pipe. I have very hard water so really like the idea of the softening! I think if you have sensitive acid loving plants, definitely let tap water breath. Or fill a can using a spray so the chlorine aerosols and disperses quicker. I am setting up an IBC to harvest maximum rain water and that'll be in an upcoming piece. Happy watering!
My plants send their best blooming thanks 🌷🌸🪴
Sh, thank you! You’re very welcome plants 💚
Nothing like early morning watering on a hot day - one of my favourite jobs. I operate a 2 watering can system where I stretch a hose to where I’m watering and fill up the cans by putting the hose inside it. I can then water with one while the other is filling. You have to be quick though!