Garden Review UK

With another heat wave on it ‘s way, the UK continues to experience record-breaking heat and dwindling rainfall. Gardeners across the country are facing a serious challenge: how to care for their gardens during hot, dry spells.

According to the Met Office, June was one of the hottest on record for the UK, and prolonged dry periods are becoming increasingly common. With water supplies under pressure, even in areas without official hosepipe bans—it’s time to get strategic about garden care.

Why Hot Weather is a Problem for Gardeners

Prolonged heatwaves pose two key problems: temperate plants suffer under the intense sun, and the lack of consistent rain leaves soil parched. So how do you keep your garden thriving without wasting water?

“It’s about adapting and managing risks,” explains RHS horticultural advisor Katie Driscoll. “Certain plants, particularly lush, moisture-loving varieties like hydrangeas, will always struggle. But there are ways to help them—and your entire garden—cope better.”

1. Water Wisely

Timing and technique are crucial.

“Always water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and plants can absorb moisture before the heat of the day,” says Driscoll.

Avoid spraying leaves. Instead, aim directly at the base of the plant, where water is needed most. A watering can is often more efficient than a hose, especially when water is limited.

Prioritise anything newly planted within the last 12 months. Shallow roots mean young trees, shrubs, and bedding plants are particularly vulnerable.

Tip: Reuse bath or washing-up water—known as greywater—for watering ornamental plants. Just avoid using water with harsh chemicals.

2. Mulch to Lock in Moisture

A thick layer of organic mulch, like bark chips, straw, compost or leaf mould—acts as a blanket for your soil. It reduces evaporation, keeps roots cool, and improves soil health over time.

Max Letek of Hyundai Power Products recommends investing in a shredder:

“It turns old stems and branches into useful mulch that would otherwise go to waste.”

3. Hold Off on Buying New Plants

Tempted by a garden centre visit? Best to hold off.

“Planting in a heatwave only stresses plants further,” warns Driscoll. “Stick to tending your existing garden. Anything established for two years or more will likely cope well with less water.”

4. Move Pots to Shad

Huddle patio pots together in a shady spot to create a microclimate and reduce water loss. And if you’ve got hanging baskets, consider moving them out of direct sun during peak heat.

5. Harvest Heat-Sensitive Veg Early

Lettuce, pak choi, and other leafy veg can “bolt” (go to seed) in extreme heat. Picking them young helps avoid bitterness and waste.

🥬 “Create makeshift shade using garden furniture, old bed sheets, or shade cloth,” suggests grow-your-own expert Melissa Quinney. “Even partial shade can help protect crops.”

6. Let the Lawn Go

Yes, your lawn may look like hay, but don’t panic.

“It’s dormant, not dead,” explains lawn specialist Peter Chaloner. “It will bounce back when the rain returns.”

Avoid mowing, fertilising, or walking on stressed grass. For newly laid turf, however, you’ll need to keep it watered until it’s established.

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7. Use a Water Butt

Collecting rainwater is one of the most sustainable things you can do as a gardener. A standard 100L butt can provide days of watering during dry spells.

“Connect a butt to your downpipes and use a leaky hose or slow-release irrigation pipe under mulch to maximise water efficiency,” says gardening broadcaster Nick Hamilton.

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Best Buys: Water Butts That Work for Any Garden

Slimline Space Saver
100L Black Water Butt Kit – £36.99 (Amazon)
Compact and ideal for small gardens. Comes with diverter and stand.

Colourful and Chic
165L Midi Metropolitan Planter – £205 (Water Butts Direct)
Doubles as a decorative container with colour options from pink to sky blue.

Mediterranean Style
210L Amphora Terracotta Butt – £139.75 (Amazon)
Classic urn design with integrated flower pot on top.

For Large Gardens
330L Stone Column Tank – £269.99 (Water Butts Direct)
Stylish and high capacity. Perfect for serious gardeners.

Climate change is shifting how we garden in the UK. But by working with nature, adopting smarter techniques, and using every drop wisely, we can still enjoy vibrant, thriving gardens—even in the height of summer.

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More for Gardeners

• How to prune wisteria before mid-July for a second bloom
• Simple water bowl trick to support wildlife during heatwaves
• Top tips from a UK strawberry grower for a bumper crop

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