Horticulturalist Sue Pomeroy from Brightwater Holidays has settled the debate on the best time to water garden plants during a UK heatwave: always water in the cool of the morning. This practice helps prevent wilted flowers and keeps plants healthy.
Why Morning Watering is Best
Watering at the roots, rather than over foliage, is crucial because roots need moisture most. Avoid watering in full sun, as water droplets on leaves can scorch. While evening watering is acceptable, it can attract pests like greenfly.
Additional Heatwave Tips
Pomeroy recommends creating a bed topped with six inches of pea gravel to protect soil from drying out. Remove soil from roots, plant into gravel, and push gravel securely around plants. The gravel keeps the soil cool and moist underneath.
Monitor for greenfly, which thrive in warm conditions. If infested, spray affected plants with diluted washing-up liquid in the evening, allowing foliage to dry by morning.
