Here’s a practical summer watering guide for UK gardens ahead of this weekend’s heat. It’s set to be a scorcher in Buckinghamshire!
With temperatures set to rise this weekend, many gardeners are asking us how much they should be watering their plants during hot weather?
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of plant, where it’s growing, how established it is and how much sun your garden gets throughout the day. While it can be tempting to water everything heavily every evening, overwatering can sometimes do just as much harm as underwatering.
Here’s a practical Hildreth’s Garden Centre guide to keeping your garden healthy during a hot spell.
Do different plants need different amounts of water?
In short – yes. Not all plants need watering in the same way, and understanding the differences can help your garden cope much better during periods of heat.
Newly planted shrubs and perennials
New plants are usually the most vulnerable during hot weather. Because their root systems are still developing, they dry out much faster than established plants. These should be checked daily during very warm weather and watered deeply every couple of days rather than little and often.
A proper soak encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, helping plants become more resilient in future dry spells.
Established borders and garden plants
Established shrubs, roses and herbaceous borders generally cope far better than people expect. In most Buckinghamshire gardens, mature plants growing in open soil usually only need extra watering after several consecutive days of hot, dry weather.
Instead of watering lightly every day, aim for a thorough soak once or twice a week.
Pots, containers and hanging baskets need more water
Container plants dry out far more quickly than plants in borders – especially smaller pots, hanging baskets and containers positioned in full sun. During hot weekends like the one forecast, some patio pots and hanging baskets may need watering once or even twice a day.
Look out for:
- Wilting leaves
- Dry compost pulling away from the pot edge
- Drooping flowers
- Crispy or pale foliage
Moving pots into partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon and adding mulch to the compost surface can help keep moisture in for longer.
Why rainwater is better for your plants
If you do a lot of watering through summer, it’s well worth considering a water butt.
Plants generally prefer rainwater over treated tap water because it’s naturally softer and contains fewer chemicals such as chlorine and lime. Many plants – especially hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons – respond much better to rainwater over time.
Installing a water butt can also help:
- Reduce household water usage
- Save money during dry periods
- Keep container plants healthier
- Make your garden more environmentally friendly
Even a small water butt connected to a shed, greenhouse or garage can collect a surprising amount of water after rainfall, ready to use during the next hot spell.
Best times to water?
The best times to water are:
- Early morning
- Late evening
Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day where possible, as much of the moisture can evaporate before reaching the roots. Watering the soil rather than the leaves is also more effective and can help prevent scorch on some plants.
Should you water everyday?
Not necessarily. One of the most common gardening mistakes during hot weather is watering little and often. Frequent shallow watering encourages weaker roots that stay near the soil surface.
Instead:
- Water deeply
- Water less frequently
- Prioritise pots and newly planted areas
- Check soil moisture before watering
A simple finger test works well – if the soil feels dry a couple of inches below the surface, it’s time to water.
Plants that cope better in hot weather
Some plants naturally tolerate heat and dry conditions better than others. Mediterranean-style plants such as lavender, rosemary, salvias and olive trees are generally much happier in hot weather than thirstier bedding plants or hydrangeas.
If your garden gets particularly warm or sunny, drought-tolerant planting can make summer watering much easier in the long run.
Are you following us on social yet? Catch more news and tips there! And don’t forget to sign up to our monthly newsletter and follow our socials for more news and offers.
Follow us on Instagram @hildreths.garden.centre on Facebook @Hildreths Garden Centre and TikTok @hildreths.gc
Join our Garden Club for 10% off your garden essentials! (Ts &Cs apply)
Shop our BBQs and premium garden furniture online at www.garden-space.co.uk
If you have time, please leave us a Google Review here. We’re independent and family-run so we’d really appreciate it.