Hot weather is returning from Wednesday, so it's a good time to get the garden ready before temperatures climb.
Here are the main things to think about:
- Water deeply, not little and often. Water early in the morning or late in the evening so less evaporates. Concentrate on newly planted flowers, vegetables, hanging baskets, pots, and young shrubs.
- Mulch bare soil. A 5–8 cm layer of compost, bark, or well-rotted manure helps keep moisture in the ground and reduces watering.
- Check containers daily. Pots and baskets can dry out surprisingly quickly in hot weather and may need watering once or even twice a day.
- Harvest regularly. Pick courgettes, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other vegetables as they ripen to keep plants producing.
- Provide shade where needed. Tender plants, lettuce, spinach, and young seedlings can benefit from shade netting or fleece during the hottest part of the day.
- Hold off on planting or moving shrubs. Wait until cooler weather if possible, as transplanting during a heat spell can stress plants.
- Mow a little higher. Leave grass slightly longer than usual to help it stay greener and protect the soil.
- Weed after watering or rain. Removing weeds means more water is available for your plants.
- Feed wisely. Continue feeding tomatoes and flowering plants, but avoid fertilising drought-stressed plants until they've been watered.
- Look after wildlife. Keep bird baths and shallow dishes of clean water topped up for birds, bees, and hedgehogs.
If you grow fruit and vegetables, pay particular attention to:
- Tomatoes – water consistently to help prevent fruit splitting and blossom end rot.
- Cucumbers and courgettes – they grow rapidly in warm weather and need plenty of moisture.
- Strawberries and raspberries – harvest regularly and keep them watered while fruiting.
A little preparation before the hottest days can make a big difference and reduce the amount of emergency watering you'll need later in the week.