As the UK endures its third heatwave in under two months, gardeners are seeking advice on how to care for their lawns. With temperatures regularly reaching 30°C in Wales and some areas experiencing nearly double the average sunshine for early July, the question of whether and how often to mow has become pressing.
Expert Advice: Let Grass Grow Longer
Speaking on the Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley's Dig It podcast, gardening expert Mike Palmer, known as Mike the Gardener, advised keeping grass longer during hot weather. "My last tip, keep grass nice and long in the heat. Keeping it longer will keep it greener for longer," he said.
This guidance is supported by other professionals. Good Housekeeping warns against cutting grass too short, as it leaves the lawn defenseless and exposed. Taller blades provide natural shade for the soil, preventing the sun from baking the dirt and damaging roots.
Mowing Tips for Heatwaves
John Cho, founder of 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."
Experts agree that timing matters. Mowing should be done at the highest setting to avoid stressing the grass. The key is to maintain longer blades that shield the soil from direct sunlight.
Watering: Best Time of Day
Watering practices are equally important. Mike the Gardener advised: "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 echoes this, noting that watering during the hottest part of the day causes rapid evaporation. Hugh Barlow, head of commercial at East Riding Horticulture, recommends early morning watering to saturate the root zone rather than the leaves, and suggests focusing on high-traffic areas if water is restricted.
Current UK Heatwave Conditions
This July has been exceptionally dry and hot. Some parts of England have recorded 0% of typical rainfall for this point in the month. Over eight million UK households are currently under a hosepipe ban. According to the Met Office, there is no clear end in sight as weather records continue to be broken in 2026.
