the rule of 10

I've been away and my garden missed any watering for almost two weeks during hot dry weather, with the remote possibly of a local thunderstorm/downpour in there maybe. Things were looking wilted but survived, infact the cretaceous part has faired better than most other parts of the garden (most probably because it is protected from the scorching north winds). One water and things seem to have sprung back to life.

So "How long to water?" is probably the big question around here at the momement. My mother's suggestion is possibly the best I have heard

Count to ten (1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10) slowly as you water important shrubs
...my mum

How much water the plants get depends mainly on your water pressure and which nozzle setting you have on your triger hose (under current water restrictions you can only water, at the designated times, using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, which instantly cuts off the water when you release it). However it is easy to work out the flow, just place the hose into a standard plastic bucket (most of which have volume marks on the side) count to 10 and see how much water is there. With a bit of calibration you might be happier count to 5,7 or even 15).

How much water your garden needs, is a more complex issue and is sure to be the topic of posts to come.