A simple test for soil moisture

I can't tell you the number of customers that have come to me downhearted at the state of their gardens, and the only thing they needed to sort, was how they were watering.

Not enough, too much - how do you get it spot on? You check in with your soil before you water - every time! It's quick and easy, and the more you practise it, the quicker and easier it gets. With the right amount of moisture, your garden blossoms - less pests, less disease and better crops by far.

Great news is you don't need a meter or any other device, your finger is perfectly adequate.

The moisture test

For established crops, and tall or vining crops: test by pushing your finger into the soil, at the base of the plant. If it's moist at your fingertip let it be. If it's dry - water. (Yes, really! All the way down there. I know gardeners in water restricted areas who push it out further than this to two fingers deep - go on I dare ya! Ha! I dare myself!)

For newly sown seed, new transplants, shallow rooters and little guys: soil needs to be moist at the topsoil. Test by squeezing a handful of soil together. Open your hand out giving it a small shake as you do.

• If the soil loosely holds together with a few crumbs falling away then it’s perfectly moist.
• If it holds it's shape – too wet.
• If it falls through your fingers - too dry.

How much water do my crops need?

So you've done your test, and found the soils a little dry - how much do you water? Enough until your soil becomes barely moist.

Don't over think it, ok - . You know what dry is, and you know what wet is - in between is where you land - barely moist is a spectrum. Don't over think it, feel the soil, trust what you feel and huzzah!, all is revealed!

Get into the habit of doing this 2 second test before watering and your gardening life will be transformed - what a difference to the health and vitality of your crops!

Not only will you be watering correctly ergo not over or under watering but you'll be staying in touch with the state of your soil - which is the holy grail of gardening, my friend - mastery awaits!