Throughout the summer months in most areas of Australia it doesn’t make any difference to the garden if you water later in the evening or in the early morning. If you live where night temperatures are cool water around the foliage will assist in the spread of fungal problems such as black spot and powdery mildew. In the warmer parts of Australia this is not a problem. In areas where sandy soil is prevalent water early in the morning, this way the water applied will be able to be used by the plants almost immediately before it drains past the root zone.

Throughout summer, check that the water is going down into the soil, to the plant’s roots. Perform a simple test by applying water to the soil, then digging down into it to see if it is wet or dry. If the soil is dry, it could be water repellent or hydrophobic and require a soil wetter such as Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner.  Apply 50mL concentrate per 9 litres of water (standard watering can) or use the hose-on pack.