A gardening expert shared three tips for looking after plants in a heatwave in a bid to help anyone who’s struggling to keep their flowers and greenery alive – especially as temperatures continue to rise
The gardener shared three things people need to avoid for the health of their plants during a heatwave (stock image)(Image: Caiaimage/Chris Ryan via Getty Images)
A gardener revealed three crucial mistakes to avoid when caring for plants during a heatwave. Following a period of cooler weather and rain, another bout of scorching temperatures is expected, with another heatwave looming this month – and likely to cause discomfort for many.
However, it’s not just humans and pets that struggle with the heat; plants can also wilt, appear dehydrated or even die due to the rising temperatures. They require extra care during hot spells and, like us, find it challenging to cope with extreme heat.
Many turn to social media for advice from both experts and beginners alike, all keen to share their wisdom and experiences. One such gardening enthusiast, Josh, has gained nearly 90,000 followers on TikTok, where he regularly shares gardening tips in a variety of informative videos.
Boasting over 629,000 likes across his numerous clips, Josh recently shared three essential tips for plant care during a heatwave in recent footage.
Speaking directly to the camera, Josh began: “It’s been 100 degrees (38°C) out here lately and if you’re still out in the garden, there are three things you should not be doing right now.
“First, don’t fertilise. When it’s hot, your plants are already stressed – adding fertiliser is like trying to make them run a marathon while they’re already dehydrated. Just let them rest.”
He then advised: “Second, don’t water in the middle of the day. I know it’s tempting but most of the water is going to evaporate before it even hits the roots.
“Watering in the evening can be troublesome as well, especially if you get the leaves wet because that promotes fungus and other diseases. So, stick to watering in the mornings when possible.”
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Josh concluded: “And third, don’t do any heavy pruning. It might seem like a good idea to tidy things up but older leaves are providing shade, and removing them can expose tender parts of the plants.
“Now, this goes for your fruit trees and your garden.
“Bottom line is, when it’s this hot, less is more – focus on keeping your plants hydrated and shaded, and save the big jobs for cooler days.”
In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were eager to share their thoughts. One person said: “Sending this to my husband, maybe he will listen to [you] lol.”
But another user claimed: “Nobody has time to water in the morning.”
A third was thankful for Josh’s advice and said: “That’s great advice thanks for sharing.” A fourth commented: “Too late [crying laughing emoji] I should’ve watched this 2 days ago.”
Another shared: “The only time I’m able to do all of these things is the middle of the day and my garden is thriving.”
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