It takes a lot to stay gardening in heat, but the experienced gardeners among us know not to panic. You can still keep your garden looking fantastic through the UK’s current heatwave.
You’ll find our top ten tips to stay gardening in heat below — some of them may surprise you!
#1 Don’t Panic About Watering Grass
Grass is fantastic at dealing with droughts. So, don’t worry about watering it every five seconds during this seemingly never-ending heatwave.
You might be thinking, “but what if it turns brown?” Truthfully, grass is hardy stuff — even when it looks like it’s reached the point of no return, it’ll bounce back. In fact, Paul Micklewright, from the National Trust establishment, Scotney Castle, says, “we never water grass, even in a heatwave.”
If that doesn’t give you hope for your lawn, nothing will!
Bonus Tip: Don’t Use Your Hose
Gardeners across the country consider hoses lifesavers for green space. But while they do offer fast, easy coverage, they’re incredibly inefficient and waste countless litres of water every single day.
Some areas of the UK may implement hosepipe bans too, and there’s no way you’d want to pay the hefty £1,000 fine for breaking the ban! We suggest sticking with your watering can.
#2 Only Water Plants in The Morning and Evening
One of the most important tips to stay gardening in heat is to only water your plants first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Why? Because sun shining on water acts like a searing magnifying glass, burning the delicate leaves.
#3 Avoid Digging
You’ll be pleased to know that to stay gardening in heat, you should avoid getting your trowel or shovel out. Digging in hot, dry weather may destroy your soil’s structure, negatively impact plant roots, and decrease moisture retention.
#4 Add Organic Mulch to Your Soil
Organic mulch protects plants from the heat. Not only does it provide long-lasting nutrients and moisture, mulching helps to suppress weeds, limiting the need to pull them and stay gardening in heat for longer.
To add mulch, all you need to do is put a thick layer on the top few inches of soil. That way, it reduces the amount of watering necessary.
Which Mulch Should You Use?
We recommend vermiculite. This naturally occurring mineral is packed full of nutrients and is considered a “miracle product” for gardeners across the country. It’s a powerhouse product for healthy, happy plants.
#5 Protect Your Veggies
Your vegetables need love during hot weather too, especially if you want some fresh produce for your summer salads.
Try not to leave vast patches bare. Instead, incorporate companion plants to keep things growing healthily.
#6 Consider Your Potted Plants
The dry, hot weather can wreak havoc on your potted plants. So, to stay gardening in heat, make sure you place your pots in a shady spot against a wall. Once situated, water them thoroughly (with a watering can, remember) in the evening.
You could even have a go at making your own watering device to make sure your potted plants benefit from regular moisture top ups. Naturally, this takes some effort, but it’s worth it in the end.
Just rinse out a wine bottle and fill it with water. Push in a cork and make a whole through its centre. Insert the bottle upside down into the potted plant’s soil and it will hydrate it for as much as three days.
#7 Leave Grass Clippings on Your Lawn
When you cut your lawn during summer or spring, don’t be tempted to clear the clippings. Leaving them on the grass infuses your lawn with nutrients and extra hydration.
On top of that, clipping piles adds light shade to the soil, ultimately protecting it from sky-rocketing ground temperatures.
Bonus Tip: Put Them on Flower Beds
If you don’t like the thought of leaving your clippings on the lawn, place them on the flower beds. They’ll shield the soil from the heat.
#8 Scatter Wildflower Seeds
Sprinkle wildflower seeds over a patch of lawn to grow a haven for insects, bees, and butterflies. You could even think about growing roses and ivy for year-round habitats for birds. Not only will it look beautiful, but you won’t have to worry so much about weeding.
#9 Invest in Hardy Plants
Some plants work better to help you stay gardening in heat. They resist droughts and don’t require as much watering as others.
We recommend herbs like marjoram, lavender, and rosemary. Their taste grows more intense with harsh heat.
#10 Tackle Those Weeds
One of the main tasks to do to stay gardening in heat is weeding. There’s never a better time than summer to battle weeds.
Unfortunately, weeds thrive in the summer, so you shouldn’t stop trying to keep them at bay. Otherwise, your garden will be awash with weeds quicker than you can blink.
Make sure you pull them up with their roots for maximum effect. Plus, try to get them when their young to reduce the risk of spreading seeds. But if it’s too late, use a hoe to eliminate established weeds.