The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an urgent amber heat alert, signaling a prolonged period of hot weather. As temperatures rise, gardeners are urged to follow expert advice to protect their plants from damage.
Expert Reveals the Only Correct Way to Water Plants in a Heatwave
Gardening expert James shared critical guidance on TikTok, emphasizing that watering plants incorrectly can cause more harm than good. He stated: "We're in the middle of a heatwave and there's the temptation of watering plants every day and what a lot of people always do is overwater their plants. So I'm going to show how to avoid overwatering plants and how to keep your plants healthy and at the same time reserve what water you have."
According to James, the best time to water is early morning. If that is not possible, late evening is the optimal alternative. He explained: "If you can't do that then I would say late afternoon or late evening is probably the optimal time because it then gives those plants some time to dry off." Watering during midday causes rapid evaporation, preventing water from reaching the root base, while damp soil overnight can attract slugs.
Water Roots, Not Leaves: Key to Healthy Plants
James stressed that watering should target the roots, not the leaves. He said: "I like to water heavily and a light sprinkle is no good. You do want to water and leave it to soak to get that soil really moist and wet. This also promotes a deeper root growth you don't want roots to be developing at the top of the plant or soil level."
To check soil moisture, James advised inserting fingers into the soil to feel for dryness. If dry, it is time to water. He warned: "It's really important to check your soil before watering. If you overwater those roots, it could rot, you could promote fungal infections and diseases. So don't just water blindly because it's hot and assume you need to water everyday. Do check your plants, keep the soil at optimal moisture, and good luck."
Following these steps can help gardeners maintain healthy plants while conserving water during the heatwave.
