Simple ways to protect plants, conserve moisture and keep your garden thriving when temperatures rise
YouGarden TV presenter Rebecca Edwards is no stranger to a summer garden. Here, she shares practical ways to help your plants cope with the height of the hottest season.
“For people who love their gardens, summer is the time when we really enjoy the fruits of our labour; everything is bursting with colour, the tiny seeds sown months ago have grown into the plants and flowers that now fill the garden, the pollinators are out in abundance, we can harvest a variety of crops, and this is where we feel that sense of accomplishment and pride in the work it takes to create these beautiful outdoor spaces.
Most of us enjoy the warmer weather, the higher temperatures and the glorious sunshine, but as the mercury rises, it’s important to understand that our plants feel the heat as much as we do, and with the increase in heatwaves in the UK, there are some important things to consider to make sure your garden remains looking beautiful.
Although sunshine and warmth are good for us and our plants, too much of either can cause stress and damage, so here are some things to consider for your summer garden.
Plant Drought-Tolerant Plants
This is something a lot of people are considering more and more now that temperatures appear to be consistently rising. It doesn’t mean we can’t still have Hydrangeas, Hostas, Ferns and Acers, all of which can suffer in extreme heat, as there are methods to protect them, but we can mix in plants that can cope better. This reduces the amount of work we need to do, only needing to pay special attention to part of the garden instead of all of it.
Plants like Lavender, Sedum, Echinacea, Perovskia, Hardy Hibiscus, summer-flowering Alliums, Eryngium and Rosemary are all fantastic drought- and heat-tolerant plants that won’t take up all of your time and energy in summer.
Watering
Technique and timing are important! The best time to water is in the morning, before the extreme heat of the day. I do occasionally water in the evening because sometimes life dictates that this is the time I have available for my garden, but the damp and dark of evening watering give fungal spores the perfect environment in which to grow, so if you need to water in the evening, take even more care to water at the base and keep the foliage dry.
“Although sunshine and warmth are good for us and our plants, too much of either can cause stress and damage, so here are some things to consider for your summer garden”
Water deeply. Dry soil can resist water initially, and it will run off the surface. Try an initial light watering and then go back in for a deep soak to ensure water gets to the roots. It can encourage deeper root growth, making plants more resilient in future anyway.
Mulch Is Your Friend
It serves so many purposes throughout the entire year, but in summer and during heatwaves, it can be a lifesaver, slowing down the evaporation process, giving your plants the opportunity to absorb the water and potentially meaning you need to water less. Plus, you get the added benefit of having to weed less, as it suppresses weed growth as well!
Provide Shade
I know we all talk about how certain plants need full sun, but when we have heatwave temperatures, those plants might actually need a bit of shade.
Moving container-grown plants into a cooler and shadier position can really make a difference. For plants in borders, erecting a shade cover, particularly for your more delicate plants, can ensure their survival.
This could be a parasol, a shade cloth or even a bed sheet pegged onto bamboo canes.
With the right approach and a bit of careful planning, you can keep your garden looking amazing all summer, no matter what the weather. It’s all about consistency and a little care and attention, and let’s face it, one of the enjoyable things about gardening is the regular need to solve a problem!”
