Gardening expert urges immediate action if plants show 'sneaky' soil sign

Wales Online

5 days ago

Gardening expert urges immediate action if plants show 'sneaky' soil sign
It is a sign some gardeners could mistake as a positive one - but garden centre manager Hayden Salt says it is anything but
The warm weather means lots of us have been spending time in the garden
A gardening expert has revealed the telltale signs your outdoor space is actually suffering - and not thriving, as many Brits assume. With summer heatwaves becoming more frequent and rainfall unpredictable, plants across the UK are increasingly at risk of drought-related stress - even when gardens appear lush at first glance.
According to Hayden Salt, garden centre manager at Jacksons Nurseries, many green-fingered Brits are missing subtle signals that their garden is crying out for more water.
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'We often associate dehydration with dry, crispy leaves, but it can show up in far less obvious, rather sneaky ways,' he explained. 'Just because your plants look green doesn't mean they're hydrated. There are several key signs to look out for - and catching them early can save your garden this summer.'
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So what should you be watching for?
Wilting during the day, perking up at night
While it is normal for some plants to droop slightly in the midday sun, prolonged daytime wilting is a strong sign your garden is struggling.
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'If you notice plants that seem exhausted during the heat but bounce back at dusk, that's a red flag,' said Mr Salt. 'They're losing water faster than they can take it in.'
Soil pulling away from the edges
One of the easiest ways to check if your soil is dehydrated is to look at its edges.
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'If the soil is shrinking and pulling back from the sides of pots or raised beds, it's too dry,' said Mr Salt. 'Water is no longer being absorbed efficiently.'
Garden centre manager Hayden Salt
Curled or cupped leaves
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Leaves that curl inwards or look slightly cupped are another common sign of stress.
'This is your plant trying to reduce its surface area to conserve moisture,' he said. 'It's a protective measure - but also a cry for help.'
Slow growth or fewer flowers
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If your plants are lagging behind or blooming less than usual, water may be the issue.
'Hydration is vital for cell expansion,' Mr Salt said. 'Without enough water, plants can't grow at a normal rate or produce their best flowers.'
Leaves with dull or faded colour
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A lack of vibrancy, even in hardy plants, can point to dehydration.
'Colour fade is often overlooked,' Mr Salt explained. 'Healthy, hydrated plants tend to have rich, glossy leaves. When water is lacking, the leaves start to lose that sheen.'
He advises checking your garden early in the morning or evening, when plants are most receptive to watering.
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'Give your plants a deep soak rather than a light sprinkle,' he added. 'And remember that some containers and beds dry out faster than others - so keep a close eye, especially during heatwaves.'