While hot weather offers plenty of reasons to rejoice, when it comes to gardening, it can prove somewhat problematic.
Most gardeners ask whether they should water outdoor plants every day in hot weather, but what if a hosepipe ban is suddenly brought into place? It's not uncommon to restrict water usage when experiencing warm climate conditions, so what would that mean for watering your garden plants?
After reporting the 'driest spring start since 1956', the Environment Agency is warning about the possible risk of drought this summer. "Whilst there are currently no plans for hosepipe bans, if the prolonged dry weather continues, water companies may need to implement their dry weather plans in the weeks and months ahead."
To stay ahead of the situation, we've spoken to a professional gardener who is sharing tips and tricks to keep garden trends thriving during dry conditions.
Expert tip: mulching in hot weather to help keep plants healthy
"With summer rolling in fast, a hosepipe ban is looking likely and could spell disaster for gardens," says professional gardener Opheus Alexander. "Having spent the spring lovingly preparing the garden for another year, cutting back, weeding and even popping to the garden centre for some new additions, losing plants to drought can be heartbreaking (and expensive)."
To prevent heartbreak, he recommends applying a layer of mulch to aid moisture retention. So, what is mulching, and why does it help with keeping your plants hydrated? "Mulching helps the plants to regulate the uncertain watering by hugely cutting down on evaporation," Orpheus explains.
"The extra layer of mulch around the base of the plant acts as an insulating layer that stops the water in the soil from drying up in the sun. This means you can use the watering can, safe in the knowledge your plants will be happy."
Mulching is typically a winter gardening job to insulate the soil to protect plants from frost and help prevent weeds, so it's interesting to see how it can be used as efficiently in the summer months.
"Although mulching is usually done in late winter, applying extra mulch before a hosepipe ban can be key to ensuring your plants make it through the summer while looking their best."
To use this technique to help your outdoor plants stay hydrated in hot weather, Orpheus recommends doing the following: "Water deeply first to lock in moisture (Which is why it’s essential to do this before a hosepipe ban)
"Then apply your mulch 5 - 8cm (2-3 in) thick. Make sure to keep it a few cm away from the stems to prevent rot."
"I recommend using organic mulch (e.g. composted bark, leaf mould or well-rotted manure), which will also help improve the soil over time. If none of those are available, a good peat-free compost will work just fine." This applies to all soil types.
Using an organic mulch and homemade compost is all the better for embracing sustainable gardening solutions.
RRP: £18.99 for 50L | We recommend 'Amazon's Choice' as a good organic solution. The chemical-free natural garden mulch is a brilliant, eco-friendly organic fertiliser to help keep your outdoor plants suitably hydrated throughout hot weather.
The outdoor plants to mulch in hot weather: Orpheus' recommendations
- Shallow-Rooted Perennials: "These plants dry out quickly and can suffer during dry spells: Things like Heuchera, Geranium, Primula, Alchemilla mollis."
- Newly planted Shrubs and Trees and Hedges: "They haven’t yet established deep roots so mulch will keep the soil moist while roots develop, as well as protecting the young roots from heat and dry air."
- Fruit and Vegetable Plants: "Edibles are thirsty and sensitive to drought stress. Things like tomatoes, courgettes, beans, strawberries as well as fruit trees and bushes."
- Moisture-loving plants: "Plants that need steady moisture levels like Hostas, Astilbe, Ferns and Lobelia cardinalis."
- Plants in dry sunny spots: "Even drought-tolerant plants will benefit from the reduced evaporation. Plants like Lavender, Hylotelephium, Eryngium and Santolina."
There's no UK hosepipe ban currently in place, but it's well worth keeping an eye on your local council website and checking in with your water supplier. "The EA is closely monitoring water companies’ implementation of these plans." So the story is an ever-evolving one.
When we do get a downpour, it's well worth using the best rainwater harvesting ideas to conserve water to help hydrate the plants without reaching for the hose.
