Use water wisely in May

May is a month of hot days and cool nights. For some of us though the start to May was wild, wet and windy and any thoughts of having to cope with the heat and drought seemed a million miles away.

During very hot May days plants may become stressed and start to wilt. This is because they are losing water through evaporation more quickly than their roots can take it up from of the soil. Just applying loads of water to them isn’t the solution. On the allotment it becomes a delicate balancing act to meet the plants’ requirements as they move in to full growth. Many of the recently sown or young transplanted vegetables will still be developing their immature roots systems to support their rush of top growth. Any check to the regular supply of moisture and nutrients plus coping with the heat will certainly make them bolt; if not immediately then at some time during the months ahead. One way of helping plants to keep cool is to apply a 50mm/2 inch deep mulch of organic matter over the surface of the soil that also conserves the precious soil moisture. There is no use sprinkling water over the crops using a watering or a hose pipe. Most of the water settles on the foliage never reaching the roots before it evaporates in the heat of the day. Always water early in the cool of the morning or during the evening. Water using a can with the rose removed and direct the water under the foliage and directly on top of the root area. During dry spells don’t use a granular or powder fertiliser trying to water it into the soil. It takes time to break down and during the process it will scorch and damage the young root systems of the plants. Better to use a liquid general fertiliser or seaweed which is classified as a growth stimulant. Always follow the manufacturer’s application instructions.

One final thought. May is also the time to apply shading to the greenhouse and to damp down the floor on hot days to cool the atmosphere. This will also prevent a build of red spider mite which thrives in hot dry conditions.

Click here for more hints and tips on what to do on the plot this month.