South East Water and Southern Water have introduced hosepipe bans across parts of Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight following June's record-breaking heatwave. South East Water's ban for Kent is already in effect, while Southern Water's restrictions for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight came into force on July 10. Households are urged to reduce water usage and avoid using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing vehicles, filling pools, cleaning windows and patios, and other summer tasks.
Many homeowners had hoped to take advantage of the warm weather to spruce up their outdoor spaces, but the ban means thousands of Britons must reconsider their plans. However, Ronseal's in-house DIY expert Jimmy Englezos insists there are still plenty of garden jobs that require no water and can be carried out during a heatwave.
Preparation for Garden Painting Tasks
Jimmy explained: "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 the heat and won't crack if applied in warmer temperatures, it does need a thoroughly clean surface before application. As the recommended use of decking stripper requires a pressure washer hose down, this is another big job that's out of the question during a hosepipe ban."
He added: "What you can do instead is all the other prep work that goes into getting garden wood, whether sheds, fences or decking, ready for a revamp. These jobs are often much larger than we think, so breaking them down over several days can make them much more manageable."
Jimmy advises removing unsightly items stored around sheds or fences, clearing decking of furniture, and removing climbing plants and weeds. Using a rough garden brush to get rid of loose dirt, mould and other debris is also recommended. "Keeping on top of weeding your beds and borders not only helps clear the way for painting tasks, but also helps prevent unwanted plants from competing for the limited moisture in the soil," he said.
Stay on Top of Deadheading
Jimmy said: "While your gardening gloves are on, deadheading spent flowers encourages new blooms and keeps your plants looking neat and healthy. Use a clean pair of secateurs or garden scissors to snip just above a new bud or leaf. It's a small job that 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."
Attaching a Trellis to a Wall or Fence
Building a trellis is another water-free task. Jimmy explained: "Building your own trellis is relatively straightforward and can add some extra greenery to your garden or make use of empty space. Start by coating the trellis itself with an outdoor wood protector to prevent the wood from rotting, and leave to dry."
If affixing to a wall, he advises fixing the trellis to a batten first to ensure enough space for plants to climb. "Fix the battens to the fence or wall at the points where the top and bottom of your trellis will sit and attach the trellis, leaving space at the bottom to avoid contact with the ground. Some trellises do come with a back panel, which provides a gap between the slats and the fence. If yours does, you won't need to attach battens." Suitable climbing plants include ivy, clematis, and honeysuckle.
Clean Garden Furniture
Jimmy noted that many outdoor cleaning jobs typically use a pressure washer, which is not allowed during a hosepipe ban. Instead, he recommends filling a bowl of warm, soapy water and manually cleaning garden furniture. "For wooden furniture, first brush away any loose dust and dirt using a sponge or stiff brush before applying your cleaning solution in small circular motions. Specially formulated garden furniture cleaners are a great option, or for a homemade alternative, try a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar."
For plastic or cast-iron furniture, a bucket of warm, soapy water should suffice, with an old toothbrush to clean intricate patterns. Jimmy always advises putting safety first and limiting time outdoors during hot spells to early morning or evening hours.
