5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Garden Happy in a Heatwave
Isn't mid-June a magnificent time in the garden? Everything is bursting with colour. But this weekend's looking like a proper scorcher, and while we're all thinking about staying cool and keeping hydrated, our plants could probably use some help to stay looking and feeling great too. When temperatures soar, gardens can go from flourishing to flagging pretty quickly.
The good news? A few smart moves can keep your plants flourishing and healthy even when the heat is on. Here are our tried-and-tested tips for helping your garden beat the heat.
1. Time it right
Water in the evening or very early morning when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimal. Your plants will thank you and you won't lose precious water to the sun. Think of it as giving your garden a refreshing drink before the day heats up, or a cooling nightcap after a long, hot day.
If plants look like they are flagging during the day, try and move them into the shade before watering them, or strictly water at the base to avoid leaf scorch.
2. Water long and deep
Instead of quick sprinkles, give your plants a proper drink. Water slowly and thoroughly, soaking them several times to allow the soil to fully saturate, rather than running off the surface. This is particularly important when the soil is extra dry.
The key is patience – water until you see it pooling slightly, then move on and come back for a second or third round. This gives the water time to penetrate properly and soak down to the roots.
The Hockley Heritage is brilliant for this – it has that satisfying, generous flow that gets water exactly where your plants need it most.
3. Mulch is your friend
Spread a layer of mulch around your plants to lock in moisture and protect the soil from evaporating under the blazing sun. It's like giving your garden a protective blanket that works around the clock. You can do this for pots too!
Organic mulches like bark chips, straw, or even just compost work brilliantly and gradually improve your soil as they break down. Aim for a decent layer, keeping it a few centimetres away from plant stems to allow good air circulation.
4. Show extra love to water lovers
Pay special attention to your thirstiest plants – hydrangeas, hostas, and other moisture-loving beauties will need extra care and more frequent watering during hot spells. These plants evolved in naturally moist conditions, so they'll be the first to show distress when water becomes scarce.
Watch for the telltale signs: drooping leaves, crispy edges, or flowers that fade quickly. These plants are essentially telling you they need more frequent drinks to stay happy.
The Bearwood Brook's perfect balance and generous capacity means fewer trips to the tap when you're making the rounds of your most precious plants.
5. Don't forget your pots
Container plants and pots dry out much faster than garden beds, sometimes needing daily attention in extreme heat. Check them morning and evening during heatwaves. The smaller the pot, the more frequently it'll need watering – those lovely hanging baskets can be particularly thirsty.
A good trick is the finger test: stick your finger about 2cm into the compost. If it's dry, it's time to water. During a heatwave, you might find yourself watering pots twice a day.
The Warley Fall's long reach makes it brilliant for watering pots and those hard-to-reach hanging baskets without straining yourself.
Keep Your Garden Thriving This Summer
With the right approach and proper tools, your garden can flourish even when the temperature soars. Remember, consistent care during heatwaves makes all the difference, and what better way to get out and enjoy your garden! Our expertly crafted watering cans are designed to make these essential tasks easier and more enjoyable, turning garden care into a pleasure rather than a chore.
Featured Products for Heatwave Watering:
- The Hockley Heritage - Traditional dousing design for deep, thorough watering
- The Bearwood Brook - Generous capacity for water-loving plants
- The Warley Fall - Long reach for containers and hanging baskets
