It's been a challenging summer for gardeners, with repeated heat waves scorching lawns and wilting plants. Due to climate change, we're likely to see more hot summers in future. However, there are ways to protect your garden against hot spells next summer.
Here are a few tips on drought-proofing your garden.
1. Learn from what worked (and didn’t) this year
Lots of gardeners have been through a steep learning curve in caring for their gardens in times of excessive heat. It's likely you've learned new habits through all those sweltering days above 30°C - remember what worked so you can repeat it next year. If there have been problem areas that have suffered no matter what you did this summer, that's something to flag for next summer. Maybe a sunny corner of the garden struggled no matter what you did, or your patio tubs just wouldn't hold moisture for long enough to keep plants green.
2. Prepare your soil over the winter
You might do this already as a matter of course, but if not - the colder months are a great time to pack in absorbent materials that will prevent soil from drying out in future heatwaves. Adding compost to beds and pots and applying a thick layer of mulch to the surface of soil should help to retain moisture. This means when it rains or you water plants, more liquid is kept back for the plant. You can also use water-retaining gel granules to boost absorbency in your soil.
3. Stock up on nets for future heatwaves
When it's baking hot, create shade and minimise evaporation with shade netting. Make a structure from poles or stakes then position the netting over it to create shade for the plants below. Some sunlight will penetrate but the plants will be saved from the worst of the heat, and they'll need less watering. When the heatwave is over, you can simply remove the netting.
4. If you lost plants, think carefully before replacing them
If some treasured plants have died during the heatwave, think carefully before getting the same plant for the same place. There might be a shadier or cooler spot in your garden that would suit that plant better in times of excess heat. Or perhaps there's a variety of that plant that would withstand heat better.
5. Minimise your watering routine
In high temperatures, most plants will need watering. This can become a chore in long periods of hot weather, not to mention using large quantities of water. If you have particularly thirsty plants, you could place these closer to your water butt or garden tap to make watering them easier, especially if you're using a watering can. You might want to plant some drought-resistant specimens, such as Mediterranean plants or ornamental grasses, that won't need regular watering. This will allow you to save water and concentrate your efforts on other plants in your garden. Garden centres and nurseries can help with advice on plants that tolerate drought better than others.
6. Manage containers with watering in mind
Hanging baskets and pots can be challenging to keep watered. Their smaller size means they dry out quicker, and they're often positioned against patio slabs or walls that reflect the heat, making them hotter. If you love using containers and want to continue, consider repositioning them in a cooler spot during hot weather, or grouping them so they give each other some shade. You can also place pots on saucers to prevent water draining away.
7. Avoid fertilising too much
Fertilisers help plants to grow, but using them too much encourages lots of soft foliage to proliferate. These leaves need plenty of water to sustain them, but if it's in short supply then the plant will struggle and wilt.
8. Help your lawn recover
Most of the region's grass turned to straw in the heatwave. It's now recovering and should bounce back with rain. If your lawn still looks a bit bald, consider using drought-proof lawn grass seed on the bare patches. It will withstand future drought better. You could also experiment with drought-resistant grass alternatives that boost biodiversity – clover, thyme or wildflowers can all work.
9. Don’t returf when it’s hot
If you're planning to returf, do this before the summer starts – in hot, dry weather it's much harder (and very water-intensive) to get the turf to develop roots. Spring and autumn are typically the best times of year to lay turf.
10. Add trees and shrubs for shade
Just like us, plants like to shelter from the full heat of the sun. Adding more shade to your garden can help your whole garden to withstand the heat. Once established, trees will need minimal watering. Choose a specimen that's suited to the conditions; for the hottest spots, Acacia, conifers, palm trees or shrubs like lavender, artemisia or thyme can all work well.
See our webpage for more water-saving garden tips.
