Britain has experienced its third heatwave in less than two months, with temperatures pushing towards 40°C. The stifling start to summer is not only hard on humans but also on gardens and the wildlife that depend on them. According to gardening expert Thomas Rutter, prolonged heat is very difficult for gardens to cope with, and even harder for the animals and birds that rely on them to survive and thrive.
Three Simple Tasks to Help Wildlife
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Rutter outlined three simple tasks that people can do now to protect their gardens and encourage wildlife during the hot weather.
First, put out fresh water every day. A shallow dish with a few pebbles helps birds, bees, butterflies, and hedgehogs drink safely. Second, keep ponds topped up. If you have a pond, maintain water levels during prolonged dry spells and ensure wildlife can climb in and out easily. Third, clean feeders and bird baths regularly. Warm weather encourages bacteria, so fresh water and good hygiene are essential.
Additional Measures for Garden Protection
Rutter also recommends mowing the lawn less often, as long grass holds on to moisture for longer than a closely clipped lawn. He added that sometimes the kindest thing a gardener can do is put the secateurs away for a few weeks.
According to meteorologists, some parts of the UK could experience the longest heatwave since 1976, with heatwave conditions possible for up to two weeks. Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across south-east England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.”
Expert Tips from Carol Klein
Gardeners' World's Carol Klein has also shared easy steps for protecting plants during hot weather spells. In a video posted to Instagram, she said: “Well we're in a heatwave, and it's really tough going for us humans and also for our plants. Well you can't change the weather, so best thing to do is, first of all, watering.” She recommends watering either in the early morning or late evening to make the best use of water. Watering in the late evening, as the sun goes down, allows plants to absorb the moisture most effectively.
Alongside watering, mulching can help protect plants. Carol says: “If you haven't already mulched your soil, trapping that moisture underneath, it's not too late.”
