Our British weather certainly loves to keep us on our toes. After what felt like months of relentless rain, now we find ourselves grappling with a spell of relentless heat! I really shouldn’t complain as the sunshine is so welcome, however sudden heatwaves can present real challenges for gardeners by putting plants under stress and leaving beds and borders parched. With that in mind, I’ve put together a guide to help you keep your garden in good shape during periods of intense heat.
Understand the Effects of Heat on Your Garden
Extended periods of high temperatures and low humidity can quickly take their toll on plants. Wilting, leaf scorch, and even plant loss are common signs of water stress. Soil dries out rapidly, reducing the moisture available to the roots, and prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can damage foliage and limit photosynthesis. It’s a tough time for plants but with a bit of care, your garden can pull through!
Provide Shade Where Needed
Some plants, especially tender vegetables or newly planted specimens, benefit from a bit of protection from the midday sun. Temporary shading using garden fleece, netting or even an old sheet can make a real difference. If you’re planning new borders or rethinking your overall layout, consider how taller plants, trellises, pleached trees or shelters can provide natural shade. It’s also worth selecting more resilient options—lavender, echinacea, sedum and similar drought-tolerant varieties tend to hold up well in hot, dry weather. Pots and containers tend to dry out especially quickly, so moving them into shaded spots during the hottest part of the day and checking them regularly can make a big difference.
Improve and Maintain Soil Health
Good soil is the foundation of a resilient garden. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure improves structure and helps the soil retain moisture for longer. To check if your plants need watering, pop your index finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it’s dry at that depth, it’s time to water!
Water with Care
Watering is key during a heatwave, but technique matters just as much as quantity! Aim to water early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler to reduce evaporation and give water a better chance of soaking down to the roots. Go for a thorough soak rather than a quick sprinkle: Shallow watering encourages surface roots, which are more vulnerable in hot, dry conditions. A water butt can be a great investment for times like these, helping you make the most of rainwater when it does arrive. Mulching is another smart move. A layer of organic mulch—such as compost, wood chip or straw—helps lock in moisture, keep soil temperatures stable and reduce evaporation.
Look After Your Lawn
Lawns can struggle in hot weather, but a few simple adjustments can help keep your grass green. Raise your mower blades—longer grass shades the soil and reduces evaporation. Aim for a height of around 7–10cm (3–4 inches). Water deeply and less frequently to encourage roots to grow down into the soil. Early morning is the best time, and if you’re short on time, an irrigation system can be a real game changer!
With the increasingly changeable nature of our weather, it pays to stay alert and adaptable. Keeping an eye on the forecast and adjusting your gardening routine accordingly can go a long way towards keeping your plants happy and your garden thriving. And if you’re looking to revamp your garden, why not give us a call here at 4D to see how we can help? We are offering a FREE design service if you use our team to construct the garden, but hurry! This offer is only valid until 30th June 2025.
Happy Watering!
