Alan Titchmarsh has shared his essential August gardening advice, urging gardeners to water their plants in the evening. The Gardener's World presenter explains that evening watering gives plants the full night to absorb moisture, which is crucial during the current hot, dry conditions.
Focus on Containers and New Blooms
With hosepipe bans in place and soil baked solid, Titchmarsh advises concentrating watering efforts on container plants, as these dry out first and are most at risk. He also recommends prioritising plants that are yet to bloom or have recently flowered, rather than wasting water on those already past their best.
Skip the Lawn and Mow Higher
Titchmarsh cautions against watering lawns, noting that if the grass is already brown and parched, it is likely beyond saving. Watering it would only encourage thicker growth requiring more moisture. Instead, he suggests letting the lawn recover naturally in autumn.
For mowing, he advises leaving the grass a few inches long to help keep it looking greener, rather than scalping it short.
Stay Patient for Recovery
Despite the challenges, Titchmarsh encourages gardeners to remain hopeful. He notes that even a burnt lawn will come back once rain returns. "There will be parts of your garden which will survive. Even your lawn, which seems to have been burnt to a crisp, will come back," he said. "So, be patient. It will come back and you'll realise that even in tough times like those we've had this particular month, it's still worth being a gardener."
