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A summer full of warm weather can be amazing for making the most of your outdoor space, but with the increasing number of heatwaves the UK is experiencing, it can be a challenge for your plants. During a heatwave, your flowers, fruit, vegetables, or herbs can easily become stressed if they don’t get the right attention, but don't worry, that's where we can help.
Today we will be covering the most frequently asked questions we have received over the recent heat wave, and sharing any insights from our nearly 15 years of knowledge with you! If we don’t cover any questions you have about gardening or landscaping, then feel free to reach out, and a member of the team will be happy to help.
Should you water plants every day during a heatwave?
Not always, no. It’s generally better to give your plants a good, deep drink rather than a little splash each day. Deep watering helps the roots grow further into the soil, making your plants more able to handle the hot weather. Of course, plants in pots or hanging baskets may need daily watering since they dry out quite quickly compared to those in the ground.
When is the best time to water your garden in hot weather?
The ideal time is early in the morning, before it gets too hot, or if that isn’t possible, watering in the evening after sunset works well too. Try to avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as most of the water will evaporate before it can fully absorb into the soil.
How can I stop my soil from drying out?
Applying a layer of mulch is one of the best ways to keep soil moist, and using things like compost, bark chips, straw, or leaf mould helps reduce evaporation and keep the soil temperature steady. The more obvious option is frequent watering during cooler times of day, as mentioned above.
Should I fertilise my garden during a heatwave?
It’s usually best to hold off on fertilising on hot days. This is because fertiliser encourages new growth, but this can stress your plants even more when they might not have enough water to sustain themselves. Wait until things cool down a bit before feeding your plants fertiliser.
Is it OK to mow the lawn during a heatwave?
It’s best not to cut your lawn too short when it’s hot, as keeping the grass a little longer helps shade the soil and retain its moisture. If your lawn turns brown, try not to worry too much, as that’s often just dormant grass during dry spells, and it usually recovers when rain arrives.
Is it safe to garden during a heatwave?
Yes, in most cases, it's safe for a healthy person to garden in hot weather, but it’s a good idea to take some sensible precautions. Try to do your gardening early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s a bit cooler, and you're not in direct sunlight. It’s best to steer clear of heavy gardening during the hottest hours, usually between 11am and 3pm, to avoid dehydration or sunstroke, and remember to take regular breaks in the shade to have a drink and stay at a comfortable temperature. If you start to feel unwell or too hot, then stop gardening and go inside to cool down.
What should I wear when gardening in hot weather?
Go for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin, and if you have them, don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield your head and eyes from the sun. Putting on some sun cream and/or setting up an umbrella to make some shade is also a very sensible idea if you want to avoid getting burnt.
Which gardening tasks should I avoid during a heatwave?
It's safest to hold off on major pruning, planting, fertilising, or cutting the grass until it cools down. These kinds of activities can put extra stress on your plants, making it harder for them to cope with the dry, hot conditions and can make their recovery unnecessarily longer.
Can plants recover after wilting?
Absolutely. Many plants wilt during a heatwave to help them conserve water, so if you water them properly and they haven’t suffered any serious damage, they often bounce back once the weather cools down. That said, a long spell of drought can do permanent harm, so it’s a good idea to check the soil moisture regularly and use the tips listed in the watering section to give your plants the best chance of recovery.
Should I move potted plants into the shade?
If you can, yes. Pots heat up faster and dry out quicker than garden beds, so moving them somewhere in the shade during the hottest part of the day helps reduce the stress on your plants and prevents them from drying out.
To help you on your journey, click the link below to discover how the team at Instant Scenery can support you in your garden maintenance, no matter the weather! https://www.instantscenery.co.uk/worcestershire-gardening-services/garden-maintenance-worcestershire
