A hosepipe ban will be enforced in some areas from next week due to the unusually hot weather and gardeners could find that their plants are in danger of dying off in the heat
Gardening experts offered advice for protecting plants during a heatwave (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The UK is sizzling through another scorching heatwave, hot on the heels of the previous one. Garden enthusiasts might be bracing for a dry summer in 2025 as temperatures are set to soar to 32C today (Friday, July 11), following last week’s high of 34.7C.
Yorkshire Water has already issued a hosepipe ban starting from today, and if the sweltering conditions persist, some southern counties may soon follow suit in the upcoming weeks.
Green-fingered gurus at Cherry Lane Garden Centres have advised: “Long stretches of hot, dry weather can put real pressure on your garden, especially during hosepipe bans. But with a few clever strategies, it’s still possible to keep your outdoor space thriving through the summer heat.”
For those facing a hosepipe ban during a heatwave, there are savvy steps you can take to mitigate the effects, reports the Daily Express.
Top of the list is ensuring your flower beds are well-mulched. The experts explained: “Mulching is one of the most effective ways to retain moisture in the soil during a heatwave.
British gardeners have been urged to mulch their plants (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“Apply bark chips, grass clippings, or compost around the base of your plants – this helps to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature steady.”
Bark chips, derived from the outer layer of tree bark, are a popular choice for organic mulch. A 100-litre bag typically retails for about £12.
Additionally, there’s strulch, a straw-based mulch that comes with the added benefit of keeping slugs at bay from your cherished vegetables.
The Cherry Lane experts have some sage advice for gardeners during water shortages: “When water is limited, prioritise your most vulnerable and valuable plants. Young plants, fruiting vegetables, and anything newly planted should be your top focus. Lawns are surprisingly resilient and will bounce back after dry periods, so don’t worry if they start to brown.”
Heatwaves provide tough decisions for gardeners (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
They also suggest taking it easy on mowing the lawn during a heatwave, adding: “Avoid excess mowing during the heat, your lawn can last longer without its regular cut in hotter temperatures, and you should avoid cutting too short as this can expose the roots to the sun and cause damage.”
In the face of a prolonged heatwave, keeping your greenery quenched becomes a real challenge. The gardening experts recommend: “Repurposing grey water, such as cooled bath or washing-up water, is another great way to reduce waste and nourish your garden responsibly during a hosepipe ban. Just avoid any water that may contain harsh chemicals or bleach.”
With an eye on the future and the likelihood of more scorching spells, Professor John Marsham from the University of Leeds warns: “We know that climate change makes heatwaves in the UK more likely and more intense, with a recent study showing that 40C in the UK is now approximately a 1 in 24 year event for the UK, and 45C is now possible.”
Temperatures are expected to top 30C again (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The experts suggest future-proofing your garden by making it more resistant to drought: “Consider adding drought-tolerant plant varieties to your garden, plants like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses are naturally better at coping with dry spells and require less watering.
“Looking after your garden in extreme weather doesn’t mean overhauling everything – it’s about working smarter with what you have. With the right preparation and a few simple adjustments, your garden can stay green, vibrant, and full of life – even when the temperature soars.
“Visit your local Cherry Lane Garden Centre for expert advice, water-saving products, and heatwave-hardy plants to help your garden beat the heat this summer.”
To locate your nearest Cherry Lane Garden Centre, use their online store locator.