Caring for Your Plants in Hot Weather

Keeping Your Garden Thriving Through the Heat

Summer heatwaves can be tough on garden plants, especially this year, but with a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can keep your borders looking beautiful even when temperatures soar.

Water Wisely

The golden rule during hot weather is to water deeply and less frequently rather than little and often. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil where moisture is retained for longer. Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation, making sure when watering  water the base of the plant ensures roots get all of the water — watering in the midday heat means much of it is lost before it reaches the roots.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

A generous layer of mulch (around 5–7cm) around the base of your plants does wonders in a heatwave. It locks in soil moisture, keeps roots cool, and suppresses weeds that compete for water. Bark chippings, garden compost, or well-rotted manure all work brilliantly.

Know Which Plants Need Extra Help

Newly planted perennials and container plants are most vulnerable in hot weather as their root systems are still establishing. Check these daily and water thoroughly if the top few centimetres of compost feel dry. Established perennials are generally more resilient, but even they'll benefit from a good soak during prolonged dry spells.

Provide Shade Where Possible

If you have plants in pots, consider moving them to a shadier spot during the hottest part of the day (typically 11am–3pm). For border plants, a temporary shade cloth can help prevent leaf scorch on more delicate varieties.

Hold Off on Feeding

Avoid feeding plants during a heatwave. Fertilisers encourage new growth, which is more susceptible to heat stress and drought. Wait until temperatures cool before resuming your feeding routine.

Don't Panic About Wilting

Many plants will wilt during the hottest part of the day as a natural response to heat — this is their way of reducing water loss. If they perk back up in the evening, they're fine. If they're still wilting the following morning, that's when they need a thorough watering.

After the Heatwave

Once temperatures drop, give your garden a good assessment. Remove any scorched or dead foliage, and give plants a deep watering to help them recover. A light feed a week or so later will support new growth as conditions improve.

With a little extra care and attention, your plants will come through the heat in great shape — ready to put on a stunning display for the rest of the season.