Gardening experts says 'do this urgently' as heat bomb turns weather maps red

Yahoo

12-07-2025

Tending to your garden in the summer can be quite the task, with a list of chores that's as long as your arm.
Whether it's snipping away at blooms, harvesting your home-grown produce, or leaving grass cuttings on the lawn to prevent it from scorching, there's no shortage of work to be done in the great outdoors.
But among the most crucial of these tasks is ensuring your garden gets enough water.
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During spells of hot weather, it's vital to water your plants, as the sun can quickly parch the topsoil, putting your greenery at risk. However, watering is not always as straightforward as reaching for the watering can or hose.
It's essential to consider the timing of your watering to maximise hydration for your plants. Some green-fingered gurus even suggest immersing mushrooms in water to give your plants an extra nutrient boost during heatwaves.
Yet, while you're busy making sure your lawn and plants don't wilt under the sun's relentless rays, there's another aspect of gardening that's often overlooked when temperatures soar.
In a recent Instagram video, gardening aficionado @cookseyfarms issued a reminder to all those with green thumbs, stating: "Don't forget - your compost needs to be watered too sometimes!".
Many green-fingered enthusiasts swear by homemade compost, utilising everything from weeds and shredded wood to vegetable scraps. Not only does compost enhance soil structure, but the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) also highlights its ability to increase moisture retention in soils that drain quickly.
However, if your compost becomes dry, it won't be much use in your garden. The beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter require moisture, making it difficult for dry compost to decompose and fulfil its purpose.
In a video shared by @cookseyfarms, the gardening aficionado captioned: "Dry compost just...doesn't compost! Maintaining the proper water levels can ensure your compost stays active."
If you notice your compost starting to dry out, give it a good watering, but avoid soaking it. While it's crucial to keep it moist, overly wet compost can decompose slower and emit an unpleasant odour.
"It shouldn't be sopping wet, just like a wrung-out sponge," advised @cookseyfarms. If your compost is too damp, the RHS recommends adding more dry material such as chopped wood, woodchip, straw or even shredded paper to help soak up the excess moisture.