Last Updated on
We spend so much time and effort on our gardens – they are our pride and joy, our escape from the busy modern world and social spaces that we use for entertaining. And our outdoor spaces come into their own during the summer months – everything is in bloom, we’re spending more time in them and we really want to enjoy them. However, as much as we enjoy prolonged hot, sunny weather, too much of it can be harmful for our gardens. Plants droop rather than blooming, carefully-tended bushes wilt and green oases of lawns turn yellow and patchy. The way we care for our gardens in summer needs extra special attention to keep them looking their best and help them through a heatwave. So, how do you make sure your plants and your grass survive the summer unscathed?
Be Careful With Watering
You may think that the more water the better during hot weather, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, watering your plants or your lawn incorrectly can cause more damage than good, and is one of the main causes of garden damage. There is an art to watering your garden during a heatwave – and it’s all to do with how much, how deeply and even what time of day! If we over-water our plants during the summer, it can actually cause the soil to be leached of vital nutrients, and also cut off the supply of oxygen to plant roots. With grass, it’s better to water deeply and less often, letting the water sink into the soil so that it can get to the root system of your lawn, rather than sitting on top, eroding the top soil. With plants, use a watering can to focus the water down to the roots of each plant or shrub.
Time It Right
Timing is everything. The early morning is the optimal time of day to water both your lawn and your plants If you have a container garden, these plants should be watered twice a day, as their soil holds less moisture and dries out a lot quicker in a pot. Adding a water butt to your garden can help you to make the most of the natural rainfall, especially if you live in an area prone to summer hosepipe bans.
Think About Your Planting Scheme
You can also choose plants for your garden which are more resilient to prolonged periods of hot, sunny weather. If you want to do some planting during the summer season, try to pick a cloudy day, and make sure you water your plants well after transplanting. Also consider hiring a gardener when required to help with the planting, so you get it 100% correct. They’ll be able to give you professional advice such as using a half mulch and half potting soil mix as it can be useful in helping your new plants to survive a hot, dry spell. Mixing in some more drought-resistant plants to your overall scheme can really help to keep flower beds looking fresh during hot weather. Adding in herbs – rosemary or lavender – is a great idea because they love the heat, smell absolutely gorgeous and add a dash of greenery in warmer times.
Reply