▲This summer's weather may be great for outdoor activities, but it can leave your garden dry and stressed. Take a look at these tips to keep your plants in good shape until autumn.

▲Using a container to catch rainwater from your downpipe can reduce your water usage and provide your plants with water that hasn't been chlorinated.

▲Hosepipes may be banned but even if they aren't in your area, a watering can of rainwater can be used to reduce water usage and make sure you get the right amount of water to the right spots.

▲Avoid watering in the hottest part of the day, when water will evaporate more quickly. Your plants will do better if they get a decent drink in the morning.

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Keeping your grass an inch longer will help the soil keep moisture by shielding it from the sun. This keeps your garden cooler and you won't need to mow the lawn as often.

▲If your plants are very exposed and getting scorched, install an awning to provide shade. This could be a simple sheet suspended over them or a more permanent gazebo.

▲Similarly, move container plants to a shady spot during the peak of the heat.

▲Yes, it promotes new growth but pruning can take an already stressed plant over the edge. Wait until temperatures cool off a bit.

▲Anything that isn't well established is particularly vulnerable to the heat. Make sure to check on younger plants and keep them well-watered but opt for a slow drench once every few days to encourage them to make deep roots, rather than less water each day.

▲Soft and fleshy fruit and vegetables need lots of water to plump up. So make sure to schedule daily watering for tomatoes, courgettes, strawberries, and any other soft edibles.

▲This summer is great for heat-loving crops, but make sure the greenhouse isn't too hot by ensuring shading is in place and ventilation is adequate. The RHS suggests that the area covered by vents in the greenhouse roof should be at least 20% of the total floor area.

▲Shading can be installed with internal or external blinds, or with a temporary plastic sheet. The RHS advises that as plant growth depends on light, only the minimum amount of shading should be used to keep temperatures below about 25 to 27ºC.

▲Add a tray of water to the greenhouse to stop it getting too dry between waterings. Red spider mite is also prevented by keeping humidity levels high.

▲If whiteflies and other harmful pests are thriving in the greenhouse or indoors, don't turn to pesticides. Hang flypaper to keep them at bay without chemicals.

▲The RSPB advises that hot weather can cause natural water sources to dry up and leave birds unable to cool off or hydrate.

▲The high temperatures can lead to food shortages for birds. The RSPB advises putting out supplementary food as the hot weather may mean natural supplies, like worms, become scarce.

▲The RHS advises to continue to feed fruiting crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines with a potassium-rich fertiliser such as a tomato feed.

▲Bees and other pollinators also need to stay hydrated. Add extra containers at different heights to keep all the wildlife in your garden going through the heat.

▲Hedgehogs and foxes need drinks too.

▲Top up ponds with rainwater collected in a butt. If you have to use tap water, do so in small amounts at a time. A full pond will provide wildlife with water and increase the humidity in your garden.

▲The warm weather is ideal for cleaning up and making repairs. Take a look at any wooden fences or structures and re-seal them before the wet season.

▲The warm weather may mean your crops ripen faster. Keep an eye on peaches, tomatoes, squashes, and nectarines.

▲Resist the urge to rake the lawn for a perfect finish, as cuttings can provide vital shade and trap moisture.

▲Grey-leaved, silvery and hairy plants, and those with small rolled leaves and swollen succulent leaves are most resistant to drought. If you regularly experience drought or are planning to landscape before next summer, consider planting yucca, verbascum, lavender, astelia, sedum, stachys, heather, or rosemary.

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Don't forget to enjoy your garden this summer! That is what all the hard work is for.

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Placing wood chips or other mulch around plants can keep the moisture in the soil and reduce weeding.

How to keep your garden healthy in the heatwave

Tips to survive the hot, dry weather

01/07/24 por StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Gardens

This summer's weather may be great for outdoor activities, but it can leave your garden dry and stressed. Take a look at these tips to keep your plants in good shape until autumn.