Top 5 Heatwave Survival Tips for Your Garden

Temperatures are forecast to reach record new highs across the country over the coming days and Leicestershire is predicted to reach a scorching 37 degrees! Don’t let you garden suffer and take a look at our top 5 tips to protect your plants during the heatwave.

1 . Don’t cut the grass

If you love your lawn to be lush and green, avoid cutting it during hot weather. Leaving it to grow to a height of 3 inches will help the grass retain moisture by shading out the roots below and prevent it from browning.

2 . Dampen down the greenhouse

Whilst our outdoor temperatures are predicted to reach 37 degrees over the coming days, our greenhouses and polytunnels could reach over 50 degrees in the heat of the day. Your undercover crops won’t cope with these temperatures for long periods but you can reduce the temperature and increase the humidity by soaking the floor with water and ventilating them as much as possible.

3 . Protect your potted plants

Plants in containers are at high risk of drying out and will need extra attention. If they are a manageable size, move them into a shaded area of your garden and away from sunny brick walls. For smaller plants that you maybe haven’t found a position for yet, it’s a good idea to temporarily place these in a shallow tray of water out of direct sun.

4 . Water, water, water

Avoid watering in the middle of the day and plan your watering for the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Remember that trees and shrubs which have only been planted in the last year will still need to be watered thoroughly to get them established. Direct the water to the base of the plant, not over the leaves to prevent leaf burn and fungal diseases.

5 . Help the wildlife

Our garden friends need a helping hand to survive the heat! Remember to refill your bird baths with fresh water each day. If you don’t have one simply put out some shallow trays of water in a shaded area with some pebbles in the bottom and the insects, birds and maybe even a hedgehog will find it and be grateful.