As Britain endures its third heatwave in less than two months, gardeners are seeking advice on how to protect their lawns. Persistent 30°C temperatures have brought nearly double the average sunshine for the first half of July in some parts of the UK, while rainfall has been virtually nonexistent in certain areas of England, with 0% of the expected monthly precipitation recorded so far.
Expert Advice: Keep Grass Long
Appearing on Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley's Dig It podcast, gardening expert Mike Palmer, known as Mike the Gardener, advised: "My last tip, keep grass nice and long in the heat. Keeping it longer will keep it greener for longer." This recommendation is supported by other specialists. Good Housekeeping warns that cutting grass too short leaves it vulnerable to heat, as sunlight can penetrate more easily and reach the soil, damaging roots.
John Cho, founder at MyCozyPlant, explained: "Taller grass blades act as a natural shade for the soil. If you cut it too short before a hot spell, the sun bakes the dirt and damages the roots. If you do cut your lawn just before a heatwave, it's important that you do so at the highest height setting."
Watering Timing Matters
Experts also agree on when to water lawns. Mike the Gardener said: "Water plants in the cool of the morning or the evening or both if it's been really dry. And make sure you put the nozzle right at the base of the plant so as not to waste any and get the water right on top of the soil where it will go straight to the roots." Good Housekeeping concurs, noting that watering during the hottest part of the day causes water to evaporate faster than it can be absorbed.
Hugh Barlow, head of commercial at East Riding Horticulture, recommends watering early in the morning, aiming to wet the root zone rather than the leaves. He also suggests prioritising high-use areas if water supply is limited.
Hosepipe Bans and Dry Conditions
More than eight million homes in the UK are currently under a hosepipe ban due to the prolonged dry spell. According to the Met Office, there is no clear indication when the heatwave will end, as weather records continue to be shattered in 2026.
