These past few weeks we have been blasted with some toasty weather, with the summer far from over here are some great tips to keep your garden healthy in the heat.
Whilst many of us may be basking in the sun as temperatures soar the savvy gardener should not ignore their precious plants.
Some plants may become vulnerable in sunny spells, many will quickly dry out when hot weather strikes.
So what can you do to help your garden:
Water wisely
Rather than watering every day, it’s much better to give your plants a thorough watering once a week. An inch of water a week is ideal.
It is also a good idea to avoid midday watering, the morning is most beneficial.
Many people simply turn on their hose pipes and blast their gardens with water. Whilst this may be faster than using a watering can or sprinklers this won’t provide even coverage. They aren't efficient and can waste hundreds of litres daily.
Give extra care to containers
Annuals or perennials in pots or window boxes may need a deep soaking of water every day. If possible, you may want to move them out of the sun.
Look after new trees and shrubs
Any plants in the garden less than two years old will need extra water. Try to avoid watering leaves instead aim for the soil around the plant.
If you water the leaves much of this will be lost due to evaporation on hot days before it reaches your plant’s roots.
Add mulch
It can offer a valuable defence against high temperatures, creating a barrier to protect your soil and the roots of plants during heatwaves.
As well as ensuring soil temperatures remain more stable mulch can also provide much-needed nutrients to your plants during sunny spells.
Lawn care
Your grass may turn brown when it is exposed to high temps for great lengths of time, but try not to worry; it should go green again when the rain comes and the temperature drops. It is also a good idea to allow your grass to be taller in the summer as the longer blades will help the soil retain moisture by shielding it from the sun.
Enjoy the harvest
Most of your fruit and veg should flourish in this weather, as long as you keep it well watered. However, it is important to remember to pay particular attention to the cool weather greens, such as lettuces and broccoli, as they will be struggling in the heat.
Weeding
Weeds grow like wild fire in the sun and will steal precious nutrients and moisture from your plants, also attracting pest and diseases so it is important to get rid of them as soon as you can.
Remember to look after yourself
Remember you need hydrating just like your plants, so ensure you drink lots of water in this heat and it’s a good idea to refrain from gardening in the midday heat, do your gardening first thing or in the evening when the temperature has dropped.
