As the warm weather continues, gardening expert Ryan Dowsell has shared four essential tips to keep your garden thriving during a heatwave. In a TikTok video, he identified common mistakes that can damage plants and offered practical solutions.
1. Move container plants to afternoon shade
"One of the worst mistakes people make in a heatwave is leaving container plants in the heat all day," Ryan warned. Doing so can cause "heat stress," which may stop plants from flowering. Flowers like Osteospermums (African Daisies) and Lobelias are particularly vulnerable. Ryan advised giving containers some shade in the heat of the afternoon.
2. Avoid pruning during a heatwave
Pruning is another mistake that can harm plants. "Any new growth or parts of the plant that were previously shaded can become scorched by the hot sunshine," he explained. This horticultural error catches many people out.
3. Water newly planted perennials, trees, and shrubs
Ryan emphasised that any plant, tree, or shrub planted in the last few months likely hasn't established deep roots yet. "So they will definitely need water during the heatwave." He specifically warned about hydrangeas, which require extra attention.
4. Rehydrate containers after a heatwave
After a heatwave ends, or after a summer holiday, the compost in containers may have dried out so much that it becomes hydrophobic. "The best way to resolve this is to fully submerge the container under water until all of the air bubbles are forced out of the compost," Ryan advised.
In response to viewer questions, Ryan confirmed that it's fine to deadhead roses (except rambling roses) to encourage reblooming. On watering hydrangeas, he said: "I only water my hydrangeas once a day during a heatwave and they’re coping well. I sometimes water in the morning and sometimes in the evening. A newly planted hydrangea will need more water though."
