Gardeners' Question Time From the Archives: Water
10 snips
Mar 20, 2026 
Bob Flowerdew, organic gardening specialist, shares practical watering strategies and drought management. Matthew Wilson, gardening expert, compares tap and rainwater and champions rain for seedlings. Anne Swithinbank, experienced horticulturist, offers tips on flood recovery, soil restoration and resilient planting. They discuss rain vs tap, reviving waterlogged clay, greywater use and water-saving techniques.
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Immediate Steps After Floodwater Scours Soil
- After rushing floodwater removes soil, mulch plants and replace exposed roots; remove piled-up silt if it buries roots more than about 3 inches.
- Anne Swithinbank and Tony Buckland recommend waiting until soil is not slimy before moving silt to avoid compaction and further damage.
Repair Waterlogged Clay With Organic Matter
- Restore waterlogged clay by adding generous organic matter and reintroducing worms to improve aeration and microbial life.
- Christine Walkden suggests municipal garden compost or new compost with worms and feeding with blood, fish and bone to rebuild fertility.
Use Rainwater For Seedlings And Acid Lovers
- Prefer rainwater for seedlings and ericaceous plants and avoid regular tap water where it raises pH; use rainwater butts and capture systems where possible.
- Matthew Wilson warns tap water additives and limey supply can upset acid-loving plants in the short term.