Make the most of water

Ruth considers your options after the hot, dry spring regular watering

- Ruth Hayes

AFTER a winter that seemed to be constructed entirely of endless grey, rain-soaked days we then found ourselves with the sunniest spring, and the driest May in England on record.

While most of us welcomed the blue skies during the lockdown, the continued rain-free zone over most of the UK has left gardens and allotments arid and parched. Watering has become a daily task, which can be a concern if you are on a water meter and have been furloughed or jobless during the C19 crisis.

When making the most of your available water becomes essential, you need to use it wisely, collecting as much as possible and prioritising what gets the most or is first on the list.

Rainwater is the best liquid for your plants as it is natural and contains fewer chemicals than tap water (see panel, right). However, you can disperse the chlorine in tap water by filling your cans and letting them stand for 24 hours before use.