Gardeners urged to use simple trick to stop plants dying in heatwave
As a mini-heatwave sweeps the UK with temperatures reaching 30C, a gardening expert has shared her essential tips to protect your plants against the elements
With temperatures set to hit 30C this week, gardens across the UK are now in need of some extra care.
As a mini heatwave sets in, gardening expert Hannah Rowson from seeds and bulb specialists J Parker's has offered her top advice for keeping outdoor spaces healthy and vibrant throughout the hottest part of the year.
Use rainy days to protect against future heatwaves
It might sound simple, but increasing how often you water your plants during the summer is key to keeping them from drying out. Hannah Rowson advises that the ideal time to water is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when temperatures are cooler. This helps ensure that the water reaches the roots before it evaporates from the soil.
Unfortunately, with the heatwaves comes the threat of a hosepipe ban. To avoid any water supply issues, the expert suggests collecting rainwater in a water butt throughout the year. "Collecting rainwater using water butts will prevent you from being caught out by any hosepipe bans and offers a great alternative to keep your plants hydrated without relying on your main water supply," she said.
Shield container plants from direct sunlight in hot weather
Brits are also urged to shield container plants from direct sunlight in hot weather, reports the Express. If you have any plants in moveable containers, consider moving them into shaded areas. This handy trick will stop the plants from becoming overwhelmed by the sun's heat, keeping them healthy, colourful, and beautiful throughout the season.
Choose plants that can handle the heat
If you haven't already planted your garden display, then Hannah advises you to consider incorporating plants that are native to warmer climates into your summer garden design. She said: "Perennial plants like Lavender, Euphorbia, Heuchera, Pennisetum alopecuroides, and Cosmos are drought-tolerant plants that not only beat the heat but also add a touch of colour to your display."
Add mulch after planting to keep your soil full of nutrients
In hot weather, adding a thick layer of mulch has many benefits for your plants. Rawson said: "Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, which is essential for plant health during a heatwave. Also, it provides important nutrients that may be lacking in the soil, such as nitrogen and phosphorus."
Use natural fertilisers that target root health during the summer months
Another way of ensuring your soil is rich with nutrients over the summer months is by using fertilisers. However, "ensure you do not over fertilise the soil during summer, as luscious shrubs may struggle to keep up," the pro warns.
Rawson also recommended: "Add natural fertilisers like Mycorrhizal Fungi, these attach themselves to the roots of your plant to create richer root systems".
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