How do I look after my newly Planted Borders?

The landscaping is complete and the last of the perennials have been planted. It looks great but what do with it now? Plants are expensive items and need a little love and attention to keep them in shape, especially in the first few months after initial planting.

Here are a few things to check in the first few months to make sure you get the best from your borders.

Important Note: The first few weeks after planting are crucial for establishing the plants' root systems. During this initial period, monitor your plants closely and ensure they receive consistent moisture. 

If, at the time of delivery, any of the Goods have any defect or damage, please contact us immediately in writing. We shall either repair or replace any Goods which were defective at the time of delivery to you. Our liability is limited to repair or replacement of such Goods by similar goods or plants of similar age and quality appropriate to the season in which they are replaced. Kirman Design cannot accept responsibility for plants dying or becoming damaged due to neglect or use of inappropriate watering, fertilisation or soil conditions by you or at your property after delivering to you. In the event that you do not advise us in writing of any defect or damage to the Goods within two days after delivery, you shall be deemed to have accepted the Goods.

1. Timing is everything

·         Best time to water: Early morning is ideal, between 06:00-10:00, as it allows the plants to absorb moisture before the day's heat causes rapid evaporation.

·         Second best option: Late afternoon or early evening, but avoid getting foliage wet overnight to prevent fungal diseases.

·         Avoid midday watering: High temperatures increase evaporation and reduce the efficiency of watering. 

2. Water deeply and less often

·         Thorough soaking: Aim to water deeply, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 15-30cm, encouraging deep root growth and improving drought resistance.

·         Avoid frequent, shallow watering: This encourages shallow root systems, making plants more vulnerable to drought and heat stress.

·         General guideline: Water once every few days, but the exact frequency depends on several factors like weather. If it’s just rained heavily then don’t water. If it’s 30C outside then they will definitely need it.

3. Check the soil moisture

·         Finger test: The most reliable way to determine if your plants need water is to feel the soil.

·         Container plants: Check the top 2 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

·         Garden plants: Insert your finger or a trowel 2-3 inches deep for smaller plants and 6-8 inches for larger ones and trees; water generously if the soil is dry at that depth. 

4. Adjust based on plant type, soil, and weather

·         Plant-specific needs: Different plants have different water requirements. Research the specific needs of your plants to avoid over or under-watering.

·         Soil type: Sandy soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering, while clay soils retain moisture longer and need heavier applications.

·         Weather conditions: Hot, dry weather or windy conditions increase the need for water, while rainy spells may mean less or no watering is needed. 

5. Watering techniques

·         Watering cans: Useful for smaller plants and precise watering at the base, but can encourage light, frequent watering if not mindful.

·         Garden hoses: Can be efficient if used with a low, slow flow directly at the base of the plants, avoiding soil erosion.

·         Soaker hoses or drip irrigation: Excellent for delivering water slowly and directly to the root zone, minimizing waste and keeping foliage dry.

·         Sprinklers: Can be efficient for larger areas but are prone to evaporation, especially in hot weather.

6. Monitor and adjust

·         Observe your plants: Look for signs of wilting (drooping leaves), which can indicate underwatering or overwatering (check the soil to differentiate).

·         Yellowing leaves: Can be a sign of both overwatering and underwatering, so consider other symptoms.

·         Slow or stunted growth: Could indicate underwatering or nutrient deficiency.

·         Adapt your routine: Be flexible and adjust your watering schedule based on plant needs, weather, and your observations. 

Watering

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to check that the soil that your plants are growing in does not dry out. Plants drying out does not just happen when there is no rain, it also happens when there is plenty of windy weather which will make the plants and soil drier much quicker than usual.

When watering, use a fine sprinkler or a rose attachment to a watering can to apply water to the base of the plant. Avoid watering the plant itself if possible and give more attention to your plants at times of drought.

Timing is everything

• Best time to water: Early morning is ideal, between 06:00-10:00, as it allows the plants to absorb moisture before the day's heat causes rapid evaporation.

• Second best option: Late afternoon or early evening, but avoid getting foliage wet overnight to prevent fungal diseases.

• Avoid midday watering: High temperatures increase evaporation and reduce the efficiency of watering. 
  

Water deeply and less often

• Thorough soaking: Aim to water deeply, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 15-30cm, encouraging deep root growth and improving drought resistance.

• Avoid frequent, shallow watering: This encourages shallow root systems, making plants more vulnerable to drought and heat stress.

• General guideline: Water once every few days, but the exact frequency depends on several factors like weather. If it’s just rained heavily then don’t water. If it’s 30C outside then they will definitely need it.
  

Check the soil moisture

• Finger test: The most reliable way to determine if your plants need water is to feel the soil.

• Container plants: Check the top 2 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

• Garden plants: Insert your finger or a trowel 2-3 inches deep for smaller plants and 6-8 inches for larger ones and trees; water generously if the soil is dry at that depth. Adjust based on plant type, soil, and weather.
  

Adjust based on soil, and weather

• Soil type: Sandy soils drain quickly and may need more frequent watering, while clay soils retain moisture longer and need heavier applications.

• Weather conditions: Hot, dry weather or windy conditions increase the need for water, while rainy spells may mean less or no watering is needed. 

Watering techniques

• Watering cans: Useful for smaller plants and precise watering at the base, but can encourage light, frequent watering if not mindful.

• Garden hoses: Can be efficient if used with a low, slow flow directly at the base of the plants, avoiding soil erosion.

• Soaker hoses or drip irrigation: Excellent for delivering water slowly and directly to the root zone, minimizing waste and keeping foliage dry.

• Sprinklers: Can be efficient for larger areas but are prone to evaporation, especially in hot weather.

Monitor and adjust

• Observe your plants: Look for signs of wilting (drooping leaves), which can indicate underwatering or overwatering (check the soil to differentiate).

• Yellowing leaves: Can be a sign of both overwatering and underwatering, so consider other symptoms.

• Slow or stunted growth: Could indicate underwatering or nutrient deficiency.

• Adapt your routine: Be flexible and adjust your watering schedule based on plant needs, weather, and your observations. 

Feeding

There is not a great need to feed the plants after they have been first planted. We generally do not feed plants straight away on planting and certainly not if planted towards the end of the year or in winter but in spring you can apply a high phosphorus, low-nitrogen fertiliser or if plants appear yellow or growth is poor.

Mulching

You may have chosen to have your borders mulched, if which case this part has been taken care of. If you Have not, it’s worth thinking about. Mulching a border will not only keep precious water in the soil rather than evaporation; it will also stop weeds appearing, lessening the competition for your new plants.