Following June's record-breaking heatwave, areas of the UK, including parts of Kent, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight served by South East Water and Southern Water, are now under a hosepipe ban. Residents are encouraged to limit water consumption and avoid watering gardens with a hosepipe, cleaning private vehicles, filling pools, cleaning windows, and other summer gardening tasks. With hot weather still forecast, gardeners may need to rethink their plans. According to Ronseal's DIY and gardening expert Jimmy Englezos, there are still plenty of jobs to make the most of the hot weather.
1. Preparation for Garden Painting Tasks
Englezos warns: "Applying paint to exterior surfaces during extreme heat can result in the paint drying too quickly and falling off, so don't be fooled by all warm weather being perfect for garden tasks." While decking oil can withstand heat and won't crack if applied in warmer temperatures, it requires a thoroughly clean surface before application. Since decking stripper typically needs a pressure washer hose-down, this is out of the question during a hosepipe ban. Instead, gardeners can focus on all other preparation work for garden wood, sheds, fencing, and decking. These jobs are often larger than expected, so breaking them down over several days makes them manageable.
2. Deadheading
Englezos advises: "Whilst your gardening gloves are on, deadheading spent flowers encourages new blooms and keeps your plants looking neat and healthy." Use clean secateurs or garden scissors to snip just above a new bud or leaf. This small job can be done in the cooler parts of the day and makes a noticeable impact, especially during prolonged dry spells when plants are under more stress.
3. Attaching a Trellis to a Wall or Fence
Building your own trellis is straightforward, and adding drought-tolerant plants or greenery is a great use of empty space. Start by coating the trellis with an outdoor wood protector to prevent rot, then leave it to dry. Englezos adds: "If affixed to a wall, you need to provide enough space behind for the plants to climb. You'll therefore need to fix the trellis to a batten first to ensure there's enough room for you to wind your finger around." Fix battens to the fence or wall at the points where the top and bottom of the trellis will sit, then attach the trellis, leaving space at the bottom to avoid contact with the ground. The expert recommends ivy, clematis, and honeysuckle, which thrive when left alone.
4. Clean Garden Furniture
Many outdoor cleaning jobs typically use a pressure washer, but during a hosepipe ban, using this much water isn't allowed. Given the warmer weather, cleaning garden furniture is a great job to get done, as it dries fast in the sun. For wooden furniture, first brush away loose dust and dirt using a sponge or stiff brush before applying a cleaning solution in small circular motions. Englezos suggests: "Specially formulated garden furniture cleaners are a great option, or for a homemade alternative, try a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. A bucket of warm, soapy water should do the trick on plastic or cast-iron furniture. Just make sure to use an old toothbrush to get out all the hidden dirt in any of the intricate patterns usually found on cast-iron furniture."
