As the UK experiences a notably warm summer, many gardeners are grappling with the challenge of keeping their plants thriving amidst dry conditions and increasing concerns over water scarcity. Several regions have already implemented hosepipe bans, with the Met Office forecasting continued dry weather that could lead to further restrictions across the country. This necessitates a strategic approach to garden watering, distinguishing between plants that genuinely require hydration and those that can withstand a dry spell.
A key piece of advice from horticultural experts is to avoid watering established lawns. While grass may turn yellow or brown during prolonged hot weather, this is usually a natural dormancy mechanism rather than a sign of death. Lawns typically recover and green up once cooler, wetter conditions return, making the extensive water required to maintain a lush lawn during a heatwave largely inefficient. However, newly laid turf is a critical exception, requiring regular watering for up to 28 days post-installation to establish its root system, even during a hosepipe ban.
Priority should be given to plants grown in containers, hanging baskets, and greenhouses. These plants are entirely dependent on manual watering as their roots cannot access deeper soil moisture. During hot spells, they may need daily watering, sometimes even twice a day in extreme temperatures. Watering early in the morning or later in the evening is recommended to minimise evaporation and ensure maximum moisture reaches the roots. Similarly, any newly planted flowers, vegetables, shrubs, or trees are highly vulnerable due to their undeveloped root systems and require consistent, direct watering to their root balls.
For vegetable patches, a nuanced approach is necessary. Fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, courgettes, and beans benefit most from watering once they begin to flower, as this is when hydration directly impacts the yield. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, chard, and kale, which are largely composed of water, demand more consistent moisture to prevent them from becoming tough, bitter, or 'bolting' (going to seed prematurely). Celery, in particular, is noted for its high water requirements.
To maximise water efficiency, gardeners are encouraged to apply water directly to the base of plants, ensuring it penetrates the root zone rather than running off the dry surface. Deep, less frequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, enhancing the plant's drought tolerance in the long term. Utilising 'grey water' from baths or washing-up can also be an effective way to supplement watering efforts and conserve potable water supplies.