Alan Titchmarsh has advised gardeners to water their plants every evening throughout August, allowing them to soak up moisture overnight. The tip comes as British gardens struggle against heatwaves and temperatures exceeding 30°C, with hosepipe bans in place and soil turning rock-hard.
Focus on Containers and Flowering Plants
Titchmarsh suggests prioritising containers, as they dry out quickest in hot, dry weather. He also advises avoiding plants that are visibly "past their best" and instead concentrating on those yet to flower or already in bloom.
Avoid Watering the Lawn
He warns against watering lawns, as dried-out grass is likely too far gone and watering only encourages lusher growth, requiring more water. Instead, he recommends leaving lawns to recover in autumn, while continuing to mow them regularly, leaving a few inches to "keep it looking greener".
Stay Patient in Tough Times
Titchmarsh encourages gardeners not to be "down and dispirited", reminding them that rain will return. He said: "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. 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."
