Alan Titchmarsh's simple 30-second task will tell you if your plants need watering

If you're never quite sure when it's time to water your plants, you're not alone. Figuring out what your garden needs can be tricky but there is a simple way of getting it right every time.

According to gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh, the best rule of thumb when it comes to watering your garden is "to use common sense, not the clock". In a YouTube video, Alan said: "You'll notice the moment comes where [your plants] are starting to wilt and be under stress and that's the time to act - ideally, before that".

If you can see signs that your plants are thirsty, Alan recommends you get right down and check the soil.

He urged gardeners not just to look at the soil, but to "get down and feel and examine".

He said: "If a border looks dry on top, it may still be moist underneath. Get your trowel out and dig down a couple of inches. If soil looks like a freshly wrung out flannel and feels damp it's got enough water in it."

Alan's second tip for ensuring your garden stays fresh, happy and healthy all year round is to do with how you're watering.

For flowerbeds and borders, most people are likely to hit it with a hose from above, letting the water fall on to the plants.

This may seem like you're doing the right thing, and giving your garden a proper soaking - but it couldn't be further from the truth. This will only get the leaves and flowers wet, but not the soil which is what needs it the most.

Alan said: "[The water] will evaporate before it goes where it's needed, so make sure you get the water nice and close to the plant. Make sure you get the water down to the soil, and watch it sinking down."