The UK has faced its fourth heatwave this week, with record-breaking temperatures earlier in the year and last month the warmest June on record for England. While many people have enjoyed the sunshine, gardens have struggled: lawns turn brittle, plants become scorched and flowers wilt.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, says the way to bring gardens back to life is to avoid watering too frequently and to stop applying fertiliser to lawns during hot spells. These common mistakes can cause further stress and damage. Instead, water deeply but less often, so moisture reaches plant roots and encourages deeper growth, making plants more resilient in hot, dry weather.
Bonnett says the main thing is not to worry – gardens can recover from heatwaves with the right care and patience.
Lawns
Give lawns a thorough watering, ideally in the morning or late evening when temperatures have cooled. Leave the grass slightly longer than usual, as this helps shade the soil and reduce moisture loss. Avoid fertilising for now, especially if the grass is dry and brown, as fertiliser will only dry the area out further and make it harder for the lawn to recover. If bare patches remain after a few weeks, reseed them when the weather is cooler.
Plants
Plants also benefit from deep watering. Remove any dead or damaged growth so the plant does not waste energy trying to revive parts that cannot recover. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of plants helps retain moisture. If another hot spell is coming, consider moving plants to a shadier spot or covering them temporarily with a lightweight cloth.
Hedges and shrubs
Brown, scorched or wilted leaves are signs that hedges and shrubs have been damaged by the heat. Avoid pruning these straight away, as some damaged branches may recover. Remove branches that are clearly dead and give a thorough watering around the roots. Once new growth appears, assess which areas need further pruning.
Soil
Hot weather can make soil hard, dry and compacted, which prevents water from penetrating. Water the area to soften the soil, then loosen it gently around plants to improve water retention, taking care not to damage any roots. A layer of mulch on the soil helps lock in moisture and keeps the area cool.
Greenhouses
Greenhouses can become extremely hot in summer, especially during heatwaves. Once the weather cools, open all doors and vents to allow airflow through the greenhouse. If plants were left inside, remove any dead or severely damaged foliage or plants and check for pests and disease.
