How to keep your garden healthy in the heatwave - 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.

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Install a water butt - 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.

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Use a watering can - 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.

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Water at dusk or dawn - 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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Keep grass longer -

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.

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

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Install an awning - 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.

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Move containers - Similarly, move container plants to a shady spot during the peak of the heat.

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

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Keep an eye on newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials - 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.

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Take care of soft fruits and vegetables - 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.

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Keep the greenhouse ventilated - 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. 

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Add shading - 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.

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Keep it humid - 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.

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Hang flypaper - 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.

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Fill the bird bath - The RSPB advises that hot weather can cause natural water sources to dry up and leave birds unable to cool off or hydrate.

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Don't stop feeding birds - 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.

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Feed fruiting crops - 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.

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Put out extra containers of water - 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.

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Including some on the ground - Hedgehogs and foxes need drinks too.

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Maintain pond levels - 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.

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Make repairs and improvements - 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.

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

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Don't rake the cuttings - Resist the urge to rake the lawn for a perfect finish, as cuttings can provide vital shade and trap moisture.

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

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