Alan Titchmarsh is urging gardeners to change their watering habits as one of the hottest summers on record draws to a close, with a warning to stop watering one key plant altogether.
The expert advises against watering plants that are “past their best”, according to Gardener’s World. Instead, he urges gardeners to “focus instead on what is or has yet to flower.”
Which Plants to Avoid Watering
Titchmarsh specifically warns against watering lawns. He says watering the lawn encourages growth that requires more and more water, and advises leaving it to recover in autumn instead.
When mowing, he recommends leaving a few inches on the grass rather than a close, short chop, which will help it look greener.
Focus on Flowers and Timing
At this time of year, plants that should be prioritised include Dahlias, Japanese Anemones (Anemone hupehensis), Stonecrop / Sedum (Hylotelephium), Coneflowers (Echinacea), Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and Asters (Michaelmas Daisies).
Titchmarsh also suggests watering in the evening, so plants have “all night to take up the water.” He says containers are the priority because “in hot, dry weather, make watering your containers the priority, as they dry out the quickest.”
Weeds and Upcoming Heat
This period is also a chance to weaken perennial weeds like bindweed and ground elder by pulling off the tops at ground level, and to pull up annual weeds before they set seed.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for August 30 to September 13 warns “there is a chance that late-season hot spells or heatwaves develop, especially in the south.” September will bring a mixture of showers and hot spells, followed by “drier, more settled weather, especially in the south and east” in the second half of the month.
The forecast said: “Temperatures will probably be near normal at first, but may turn warmer later with a chance of some hot periods in the south.” The Met Office also warned of risks of thunderstorms and flooding throughout early autumn.
