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Plant care during droughts and heatwaves

By
Mandy Watson
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Tips to get through extreme heat and lack of rain

With such unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, plant care during droughts can be challenging, especially if a hosepipe ban is in force.

How do you save your plants using the minimum amount of water? You’ll find more useful advice on coping with extreme heat. Indoor tomatoes often drop their fruits or don’t set. Read more about climate change and pollution harming gardens.

1When to water

Watering in the late evening is best if not then, early morning – never in the full heat of the day.

2Don’t give little and often
Plant care during droughts
Geraniums and Canna indica in a display of pots

3Plant care during droughts – Concentrate on pots

They will need watering every day. Add water-retentive gel when potting on. If the severe temperatures continue, move what you can into the shade and conservatory/greenhouse plants outdoors.

4Give up on hanging baskets

Hanging baskets will have to be watered twice a day, which is why I don’t use them.

5Plant care during droughts – Prioritise new specimens

They will wilt and be damaged easily. David Austin Roses recommend applying a full watering can a day in extreme temperatures.

6Boiling glasshouses
Plant care during droughts
Help runner beans to set by misting with water

7Plant care during droughts – Increase humidity

Use a hand mister to increase humidity around tomatoes and runner beans to aid flower set.

8Bye bye lawn
Water butts hidden by the golden hop

If water use is restricted, sacrifice the lawn. It takes a lot of water to keep it green and the grass is capable of surviving extreme heat and lack of water.

9Plant care during droughts – Butt problems?

If your water butts run dry, use grey water from the bath, shower, or from washing the dishes

10Mulch well
Drive bed mulched in March - standing up to the temperatures much better
Drive bed mulched in March – standing up to the temperatures much better

11Plant care during droughts – Keep weeding

Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from competing with your plants for water.

12Be aware of your region’s water supply

Check with your local water authority to see the situation in your area. We are incredibly lucky in NE England to have Kielder Reservoir as a vast water supply, but we must still use water wisely. Our region is one of the driest in the country in the rain shadow of the Pennines.