Gardening expert Monty Don has shared six key tips to help gardeners keep their plants healthy during increasingly common summer heatwaves. With the Met Office warning of temperatures up to 32°C in parts of the UK, Don emphasizes the need to become more water-wise as climate change intensifies weather volatility.
Collect and Conserve Rainwater
Don's primary advice is to install as many water butts as possible, not only on house guttering but also on sheds and greenhouses. Even light showers can accumulate meaningful amounts over time.
Mulch
Add a thick layer of organic mulch to flowerbeds, vegetable patches, and containers while the soil is moist. This helps plants survive extreme weather by retaining moisture.
Schedule Watering
Instead of daily light watering, Don recommends giving plants a thorough drenching every few days. Direct water to the roots of potted plants to maximize effectiveness.
Protect Containers
Reduce evaporation by adding a layer of gravel or horticultural grit on the surface of containers. This prevents drying out during warm spells.
Increase Greenhouse Humidity
For greenhouse owners, spraying water on paths and soil increases humidity, reducing water loss from plant leaves.
Plant Wisely
For woody plants, consider autumn planting when more rain helps establish healthy root systems before spring.
Conserve Water for Established Plants
Well-established plants need less watering. Encouraging deeper root growth makes them more resilient long-term.
Don also suggests larger gardens install a cattle trough to supplement water butts. These capture large rainfall amounts and are easier to use. Stored rainwater is not only cheaper but better for plants like camellias, rhododendrons, blueberries, and pieris, which thrive in lime-free water.
