Gardening: Francis Tophill advises on watering plants without a hose
1. Extra water
The garden design experts at Nilufer Danis said: “Plants need more water in hot weather, so ensure that you check on them more than you would throughout the warm weather and give them a thorough watering when needed.
“When watering, make sure the water reaches the base of your plants to keep their roots hydrated. On hot days, watering should be done in the early morning and in the evening, twice a day.”
Hydrating plants in the middle of the day is not advised because of evaporation and the potential risk of leaves burning.
2. Protect plants from direct sun
Gardeners should make sure plants are not being overexposed to intense sunlight, because this can cause them to dry out quickly.
If possible, consider relocating the plants to a shadier spot or providing temporary shade with cloth during times of direct sun.
If this isn’t possible, it may be worth investing in plants which are suitable for each location of the garden. This involves looking at choosing sun loving, or shade loving plants.
Drought-tolerant plants are also becoming extremely popular in UK gardens due to climate change.
3. Improve the quality of your soil
During a heatwave, soil can become dry and hard, making it super difficult for plants to absorb any water at all.
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The experts said: “To improve the quality of the soil, add compost to help make it more porous and nutrient-rich, this will help the soil take in more water and keep your plants hydrated for longer.”
4. Prune
Make sure to keep an eye out for any wilting or discoloured leaves which may be caused by the heat.
The pros recommended pruning off these damaged parts to help keep plants healthy and diseases from spreading, but make sure not to do it at the warmest part of the day.
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5. Mulching
A layer of mulch can help to insulate plants and keep their roots cool as well as helping to retain water in the soil.
Make sure to top up any mulch which has been lost over time as it can also suppress weeds from coming through.
6. Misting plants
The experts continued: “If you have potted plants or those growing indoors, consider misting them with a spray bottle filled with tepid water to help them stay hydrated.
“Just be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and happy during a heatwave. With the right care, your plants will thrive in even the hottest of climates.”
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