The UK has just experienced its hottest June on record, followed by a blistering July with heatwaves engulfing much of the nation. As temperatures continue to climb, gardeners are grappling with the challenge of keeping their plants thriving. Herbs are particularly vulnerable to drought and extreme heat, and with eight million households now subject to hosepipe bans, maintaining them can prove difficult.
Expert Advice for Saving Herbs
When temperatures edge above 30°C, herbs can suffer from drought stress, and if you're affected by a hosepipe ban, preserving them becomes even more challenging. Norwegian gardening expert Didrik Dege Dimmen, founder of the company behind the world's first open-system smart indoor garden Auk, has offered his expert advice for keeping herbs alive.
He said: "With hosepipe bans and heatwaves becoming the new normal, it's time to get creative in how we care for our herbs. A little extra attention and smart watering can keep your kitchen garden thriving, come rain or shine."
Group Pots to Create a Microclimate
One of his suggestions doesn't require watering whatsoever. He advises grouping potted herbs together to establish a microclimate and minimise water loss. It requires virtually no effort and can yield significant results in keeping your herbs content throughout the summer months.
Water in the Evening
Didrik also suggests watering your pots towards the end of the day when the temperature falls, preventing the water from evaporating before it reaches the roots. This simple change ensures that herbs get the hydration they need without wasting water.
Move Pots to Shade
If you have plant pots positioned outdoors, it's advisable to relocate them to a shaded spot so they don't dry out quickly and become overheated in the summer sunshine. Shade reduces water loss and keeps the soil cooler.
Choose Woody Herbs for Heat
Certain plants are better adapted to warmer conditions, so it's worth considering carefully what you'd like to cultivate. Woodier herbs such as rosemary, thyme and oregano fare better and require less watering than more delicate varieties like basil.
Prune Regularly
Regardless of which herbs you're growing in the garden, all will benefit from regular pruning. This encourages bushier, healthier growth and reduces the amount of water your plants require.
