13-07-2025
Expert gives tips to keep plants alive in heatwave
Heatwaves can be tough in the UK for gardens and third heatwave of the summer is set to grip the UK this weekend and some gardeners may be starting to think about how best to keep their plants Taylor, aka "the plant doctor", from Hudsons Plant Centre in Duffield, Derbyshire, has shared her best tips to stop your plants wilting or drying up over the next few days."Water, water, water," said Ms Taylor.
It may seem a simple suggestion, but Ms Taylor said it's the most important advice she can give."Make sure you don't water during the middle of the day, which is usually when heat is at its height," she 57-year-old said to either water your plants first thing in the morning or last thing at Taylor also said the technique of watering can be the difference between life and death for your plant."That's one of the first things we tell staff here, you water the soil and not the leaves as the roots need it most," said Ms should grow down, not up, but if watered in sunlight, the roots will travel upwards in search of the evaporating Taylor said mulch, either stones or well-rotted compost, can also help keep moisture within the soil. "Well-rotted compost or farmyard manure will feed the ground and really help when it eventually rains," she said.
Recycle your water
Hosepipe bans were introduced in some areas of Derbyshire on households with or without a hosepipe ban, Ms Taylor's next piece of advice is to water your plants with as much recycled water as you can. She said: "If you are having a bath or you are washing up the dishes, keep that water and let it cool before you use it on your plants."Water butts are also useful. "They can be attached to the house, downpipe, sheds, greenhouses or anything like that."
Grass looking dry?
"Don't worry about your grass," added Ms Taylor."If your grass is dry and parched, a bit of rain and it will be the first thing that will bounce back, don't worry about it, it will be fine."
Know your plant
Knowing your plants is important, and a quick internet search can help you understand their needs and you know if your plants like direct sunlight or prefer shade? Do they like humid or dry conditions? Ms Taylor explained: "Right plant, right place, don't put a shade-loving plant in full sun."For example, tropical plants such as rubber plants, kentia, ficus and some ferns, prefer Mediterranean plants, such as thyme and lavender and other herbs, prefer dry air.
Weekend away?
"If you have plants in pots, place saucers underneath them, fill it with water and hope for the best," said Ms also recommended moving your potted plants to more shaded areas before you you have lots of plants in the ground, then Ms Taylor said make sure you "give them a big water before you go away or even ask your neighbours to give them a water for added: "Gardening is a great thing for community and meeting people, so I encourage you to knock on your neighbour's door and see if they can help you out."
