How to Care for Plants and Bedding Plants During This Week's 36°C UK Heatwave
With temperatures expected to reach 36°C across parts of the UK this week, gardeners are being urged to take extra care of their plants. While many flowers enjoy sunshine, prolonged periods of extreme heat can leave borders, hanging baskets and containers struggling to cope.
Here are some simple ways to keep your garden looking its best during the hot weather.
Water at the Right Time
During a heatwave, when and how you water matters.
- Water early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Give plants a good deep soak rather than a quick splash.
- Water the soil around the roots rather than the leaves.
- Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as much of the water will evaporate before the plants can use it.
Hanging baskets and patio containers may need watering twice a day when temperatures reach the mid-30s.
Keep Moisture in the Soil
Adding a layer of mulch can make a huge difference during hot weather.
Use:
- Garden compost
- Bark chippings
- Straw
- Grass clippings
Mulch helps keep the soil cool and reduces moisture loss, meaning you'll need to water less often.
Give Bedding Plants Some Shade
Popular UK bedding plants such as:
- Petunias
- Begonias
- Geraniums
- Lobelia
- Busy Lizzies
- Marigolds
can become stressed in prolonged heat.
If possible:
- Move pots into partial shade.
- Use garden umbrellas or shade netting.
- Remove dead flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.
- Watch for wilting leaves and dry compost.
- Look After Hanging Baskets and Containers
Containers dry out much faster than flower beds.
To keep them healthy:
- Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
- Feed once a week with a liquid tomato feed.
- Move baskets into a slightly shadier position if they are in full sun all day.
- Check them morning and evening.
Leave Your Lawn Alone
Don't worry if your lawn starts to turn brown.
Brown grass isn't dead – it's simply dormant and will usually recover once rain returns.
During a heatwave:
- Raise the mower blades.
- Avoid cutting the grass too short.
- Only water newly laid lawns or areas under severe stress.
Avoid Pruning and Feeding
Plants are already working hard to cope with the heat.
Avoid:
- Heavy pruning.
- Re-potting.
- Strong fertilisers.
Wait until temperatures cool down before carrying out major jobs in the garden.
Watch for Signs of Heat Stress
Look out for:
- Wilting leaves.
- Brown or scorched edges.
- Flowers dropping early.
- Yellowing foliage.
- Dry, cracked soil.
Most plants will recover quickly if they receive enough water and are protected from the strongest afternoon sun.
Plants That Thrive in Hot Weather
These reliable favourites cope particularly well with hot, dry conditions:
- Lavender
- Salvia
- Verbena
- Cosmos
- Osteospermum
- Sedum
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
They are perfect for sunny borders and containers and can continue flowering right through summer.
Final Thoughts
Temperatures of 36°C are unusual in the UK, but with a little extra care your plants and bedding displays can come through the heatwave in excellent condition.
Water deeply, provide some shade where possible and don't panic if plants look a little tired during the hottest hours of the day. With cooler weather and a bit of rain, most gardens will soon bounce back.
After all, if we're reaching for the shade and a cold drink, our plants appreciate a little help too!