How to care for your garden during a heatwave

Discover simple, water wise tips to protect your lawn, plants and pots in a UK heatwave, even during a hosepipe ban. Learn when and how to water wisely.

Every year us Brits eagerly await the summer months in hopes of fantastic weather and glorious sunshine to spend as much time outdoors as possible. However, with temperatures creeping up year on year, and the UK experiencing more dry summers, it’s important to make sure your garden is cared for during any hot spells.

So, what can be done to prepare the garden for a heatwave, and make sure your plants and lawn continues to thrive throughout the summer? Here are our top tips for caring for your garden during a heatwave:

Water the right way

When it’s hot we need to keep hydrated, and the garden is no exception! Whilst it’s tempting to quickly spray the garden with a hose, it’s actually better for plants to soak the soil deeply. Use a watering can or aim the hose right at the roots of your plants so the water can find its way down the soil. Remember to check the soil beforehand as this can save you time and conserve water. If the soil looks dry on top, scratch the surface or feel the soil to see if its still damp underneath. If it is, you don’t need to water that day.
Plants in containers will need more consideration when it comes to watering. Watering early in the morning, before the sun is at its peak, or later in the evening will stop water evaporating so the water can soak into the soil. You can also add a saucer beneath your pot to catch and hold any excess water, which will be re-absorbed into the soil later on.

Maintain your lawn – even during a hosepipe ban!

Has a hosepipe ban been put in place? Don’t fret! Lots of people worry about upkeeping the lawn in a heatwave, and you understandably might panic a little about its health if you have to restrict water usage.
Although a yellow or brown lawn doesn’t look very appealing, grass is much more resilient than you think – especially to heat. Green grass will soon bounce back once it's cooled down and it begins to rain again. You can also give your lawn a helping hand after a hot spell and revive its greenery with our Green Up Enhance Liquid Lawn Feed.

How to water your garden in a heatwave

We’ve mentioned how important it is to water at the right times to make sure soil is kept damp, but what can you do to protect moisture in the soil?
Knowing how to keep moisture in the soil is crucial during hot weather periods. Adding a layer of mulch goes a long way in preserving moisture. You can add mulch using bark or wood chippings, straw, manure or compost – even grass clippings! Mulch not only helps lock in the moisture, but also can help regulate the temperature of the soil and prevent water evaporation. A 2-3 inch layer should be enough to protect the soil from the sun.
For your hanging baskets and pots, you can add water absorbent crystals, like our Stay Wet Plus, to rapidly absorb and retain the moisture needed.

How to protect your plants in the heat

Rest your plants (and yourself!). A heatwave causes stress on plants, dehydrating them and even slowing down its cell production. With this in mind, save jobs like pruning, planting, deadheading and transplanting for when the temperature cools down, as these tasks can add more stress to the plant.
Don’t forget that shade is your, and your plants, friend in a heatwave! An extreme dry or hot summer can quickly cause damage to even the most hardy of plants, so a shade cloth, or garden fleece, can be used to protect delicate plants and shield them from the sun’s rays. Moving your pots and hanging baskets to cooler spots will also help protect them.
If you’ve followed all our tips, then your garden will be prepped and ready for any potential heatwaves. Now your garden has been given the best chance at surviving the heat, you can relax, enjoy the sun and sit down with an iced drink – don’t forget your SPF!

For more advice on how to help your garden thrive, take a look at our Gardening Ideas & Projects page.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How do I care for my garden in a heatwave?
In a UK heatwave, focus on deep, infrequent watering, protecting the soil with mulch and giving plants shade during the hottest part of the day. Prioritise containers and vulnerable plants, and let the lawn rest rather than over watering it.

2. When is the best time to water plants in hot weather?
The best time to water in hot weather is early morning, or alternatively in the evening once the heat has eased. This reduces evaporation so more water reaches the roots and helps plants cope better with daytime temperatures.

3. How can I look after my lawn in a heatwave?
During a heatwave, avoid cutting the grass too short and accept that it may turn yellow or brown for a while. Lawns usually recover when cooler, wetter weather returns, and you can help them bounce back with a suitable lawn feed.