Gardening in a Heatwave
- eleanoroborne
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
As the summer seriously swelters on, it's important to keep an eye on your garden for signs of heat and drought stress, and know how to react. We are all suffering extremes at the moment, but timely watering and other measures will help to keep your precious plants in good condition, even if you have a hosepipe ban where you live.
Newly planted trees, hedges and shrubs are exempt from hosepipe bans - water them well and deeply to ensure the roots grow down rather than near the soil surface
Water in the morning, before the heat sets in, or early evening to ensure the maximum amount of water reaches the roots
Always water around the base of the plant, not on the leaves. This ensures max water to the plant, and also prevents scorch marks when the sun hits water droplets
Trickle or drip irrigation systems are also exempt from hosepipe bans. Consider installing them for areas of important new planting
Conserve and reuse water where possible using rainwater butts and grey water
Pots do need watering daily when it's very hot, as they lose a lot of water through their sides. Bigger pots are more resilient, so always try and get the biggest you can for the space
Only water what really needs it! Plants which require more water such as hydrangeas and tomatoes, and anything that's beginning to look dry and wilting can be targets for your watering can!
Top up birdbaths and dishes for the wildlife in your garden. Just make sure to put some pebbles in to any smaller creatures are able to drink safely
To help with future heatwaves and unpredictable weather, add plenty of organic material to the soil in autumn or early spring as a mulch - this helps the soil to hold more moisture and release it slowly to the plants when needed.
Some plants are much more drought-tolerant. If you're reconsidering your garden and would like any help with what to choose and how to create a more resilient garden, do get in touch via my website eleanorobornegardendesign.com
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