Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We’re having a dry summer with plenty of sunshine here in Somerset, UK, and that means very few spores of late blight are floating in the wind. Even if they are, leaves cannot stay moist for the 48 hours needed for them to propagate. The spores also need 90% humidity for 48 hours – something we simply don’t have right now.
So in these conditions, it’s totally safe to water overhead. I’ve been doing it since May and the results speak for themselves – plants are super healthy, growth is strong, and fruiting is abundant. Overhead watering also helps wash off aphids if they appear, and it’s quicker to do when plants are close together.
If you’re in a wetter, cooler region with high humidity, you do need to be more cautious. In that case, keep leaves dry as much as possible, de-leaf the lower stems, and ensure good ventilation.
Hose spray attachment I use:
🔗 abimax.com/collections/abimax-products/products/magnostream
💡 Use code NODIG at checkout for 10% off.
My growing method:
🌱 No dig polytunnel
🌱 No feeds or fertilisers – just a 3–4 cm (1–1.5") compost mulch in May before planting.
🌱 This mulch also supports the winter salads I’ll plant in October.
🎥 Filmed 12th August by Nicola Smith, Somerset UK.
#NoDig #Tomatoes #GardeningTips #OverheadWatering #OrganicGardening #CompostMulch #CharlesDowding #Polytunnel #TomatoCare #SummerGardening #GardeningUK
We’re having a dry summer with plenty of sunshine here in Somerset, UK, and that means very few spores of late blight are floating in the wind. Even if they are, leaves cannot stay moist for the 48 hours needed for them to propagate. The spores also need 90% humidity for 48 hours – something we simply don’t have right now.
So in these conditions, it’s totally safe to water overhead. I’ve been doing it since May and the results speak for themselves – plants are super healthy, growth is strong, and fruiting is abundant. Overhead watering also helps wash off aphids if they appear, and it’s quicker to do when plants are close together.
If you’re in a wetter, cooler region with high humidity, you do need to be more cautious. In that case, keep leaves dry as much as possible, de-leaf the lower stems, and ensure good ventilation.
Hose spray attachment I use:
🔗 abimax.com/collections/abimax-products/products/magnostream
💡 Use code NODIG at checkout for 10% off.
My growing method:
🌱 No dig polytunnel
🌱 No feeds or fertilisers – just a 3–4 cm (1–1.5") compost mulch in May before planting.
🌱 This mulch also supports the winter salads I’ll plant in October.
🎥 Filmed 12th August by Nicola Smith, Somerset UK.
#NoDig #Tomatoes #GardeningTips #OverheadWatering #OrganicGardening #CompostMulch #CharlesDowding #Polytunnel #TomatoCare #SummerGardening #GardeningUK
