Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh is urging UK gardeners to stop watering their lawns during the current heatwave, warning that it only encourages more growth that demands even more water.
With hosepipe bans in place across much of the country, many gardeners are unsure about the best watering methods to adopt. As climate change brings more frequent heatwaves and prolonged dry spells, homeowners are investing considerable time in their gardens yet still finding it difficult to keep them in good condition.
Focus on Flowering Plants
According to Gardener's World, Titchmarsh advises against watering plants that are "past their best". He instead encourages gardeners to "focus instead on what is or has yet to flower."
During this period of the year, these include Dahlias, Japanese Anemones (Anemone hupehensis), Stonecrop / Sedum (Hylotelephium), Coneflowers (Echinacea), Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and Asters (Michaelmas Daisies).
Lawn Care and Watering Tips
The other element to steer clear of entirely is your lawn. Titchmarsh explains that watering grass will stimulate growth that demands increasing amounts of water. Rather, allow it to recuperate naturally during autumn.
When mowing, avoid cutting too close or too short; instead, leave several inches of growth, which will help maintain a greener appearance. Titchmarsh's additional advice includes reconsidering when you water your plants. He suggests that watering your plants in the evening means they have "all night to take up the water." Titchmarsh also advises pots take priority as "in hot, dry weather, make watering your containers the priority, as they dry out the quickest."
Weed Control and Weather Outlook
This is also an ideal moment to identify and weaken perennial weeds such as bindweed and ground elder by removing the tops at ground level, and if you notice annual weeds, pull them up before they get a chance to set seed.
Now isn't the time to become complacent, as another heatwave is expected. According to the Met Office's long-range forecast for August 30 to September 13, "there is a chance that late-season hot spells or heatwaves develop, especially in the south." September will bring a combination of showers and hot spells, followed by "drier, more settled weather, especially in the south and east" for the latter half of the month.
The forecast stated: "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 cautioned about risks of thunderstorms and flooding throughout early autumn.
