Gardening during a heatwave
Making a garden more resistant to drought while reducing water usage isn't impossible. The main objective is to be wise with water use while cultivating the soil and keeping on top of essential garden maintenance.
Don't forget to keep an eye on plant stress during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather too. The sooner you can react better the outcome.
Read on for our top tips to keep your garden thriving throughout challenging drought conditions:
How to water plants in hot weather
Water early in the morning to prevent water loss via evaporation. Your focus should be on the plant root, not the foliage, due to the risk of further stress from pests and diseases; the best way to water your plants during hot, dry weather is to give them a good soaking less often.
Apply a quality mulch
Apply a quality mulch or organic material to assist with locking in essential moisture, make sure to give your beds, borders and pots a good soaking before applying mulch.
Keep on top of weeding
Weeds compete with other plants for water, nutrients, and light, meaning fewer resources for your cultivated plants. Keep on top of removing weeds from beds and borders to ensure water reaches the plants that need it most.
Prioritise potted plants
While we want to ensure all plants get enough water during dry spells, mature trees and shrubs are much hardier than young plants and can tolerate less watering.
Pots, containers, hanging baskets, food crops, and young plants need looking after during dry spells to ensure they can survive the stressful conditions.
Summer gardening essentials
Watering
Mulch
Fertilisers
