As the UK experiences record-breaking May temperatures, with highs around 30°C expected to continue into the weekend, horticulturist Peter Dowdall has warned against a common watering mistake that 'nearly everyone makes' during hot spells. The Irish Gardener, as he is widely known, advises against watering little and often, a practice he says can weaken plants over time.
Dowdall explains that shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, making plants dependent on constant watering and more vulnerable to drying out quickly in warm or windy conditions. Instead, he recommends deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture is more stable.
The expert emphasises the importance of soil health and structure, noting that healthy soil holds moisture better naturally. He suggests mulching around plants with organic material to suppress weeds and reduce evaporation, and advises watering early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise water loss through evaporation during the heat of the day.
For those concerned about brown lawns, Dowdall reassures that grass is resilient and will often recover once rain returns. He urges gardeners to focus on long-term planning and soil improvement rather than reacting to stressed plants during heatwaves.
