22/06/2026
A few tips for nursing your garden through extreme heat this week.
1) Mulch - if you haven't already done this, get to the Garden Centre as soon as possible and buy some bark to spread around the base of your plants. Mulch helps to keep the roots cool and slows down moisture loss after watering. You can also use grass clippings, cardboard or straw; anything that provides a protective layer
2) Water deeply and early - water in the mornings where possible or as an alternative later in the evening to so that less of the water evaporates before reaching the plant roots. Do not water in the heat of the day where the water can act as a magnifying glass, scorching and burning the leaves.
Water at the base of the plant rather than from high. This will ensure that the water runs where it is most needed at the roots
3) Install a water butt - this will ensure you have a water source even when a hosepipe ban is enforced.
4) Move pots and hanging baskets to a more shadier spot - the plants will thank you for some temporary relief from the full midday sun
5) Longer term - think about planting drought tolerant plants that can cope with longer periods without water. As our climate changes to more extremes of wet and dry moving to more Mediterranean style plants that are naturally able to cope seems a sensible option.