How to keep your heather blooming: A gardener's guide

Heather is a symbol of the passing summer. What can you do to enjoy beautiful purple flowers for a long time? Simply water them regularly with a homemade mixture you can prepare quickly.

Heather is not only an ornament of many gardens but also a sign of the arrival of colder days. To enjoy their beauty for as long as possible, it's worth knowing the secrets of proper care, and above all, proper watering.

Although heather plants are drought-tolerant, this does not mean that you can completely neglect watering them. Young heather seedlings need regular hydration, especially during periods of high heat. The key element here is moderation—heather does not like stagnant water. Excess moisture can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, so the soil they grow in must be well-drained.

Heather requires different care depending on the time of year. In spring, before the vegetation period begins, it is worth trimming the heather shoots, stimulating abundant flowering in the next season. Watering is less important during this period because the soil is usually still moist after the winter precipitation.

In summer, during periods of high heat, watering is essential, especially for young plants and those planted in full sun. In autumn, when the heather blooms most beautifully, it is particularly important to ensure regular but moderate watering to extend the flowering period.

One of the most recommended methods for watering heather is using rainwater acidified with lemon juice. Why such a mixture? Heather prefers soil with a low pH, and lemon juice or citric acid perfectly acidifies the water, creating an environment conducive to the growth of these plants. Rainwater, due to its natural composition, is a better choice than tap water, which may contain too much calcium, negatively affecting the soil's pH.

To prepare such a mixture, simply add a few drops of lemon juice to a litre of rainwater and mix well. Water the heather regularly with this prepared water, especially after planting, to provide them with the right conditions for rooting and growth.

Another home method is tea or coffee grounds, which also acidify the soil while providing plants with micronutrients.