These long periods of hot, dry weather have been challenging for gardens. Lawns have turned brown, borders have begun to look tired, and even well-established plants have started to droop.
The good news is that a struggling-looking garden does not necessarily mean a dying garden. Many established plants are surprisingly resilient and will recover once cooler, wetter weather returns.
The key during a drought is to concentrate water where it will make the greatest difference, reduce unnecessary planting and help the soil hold on to the moisture it already has.
Here are some practical ways to look after your garden during prolonged dry weather.
Decide which plants need water most
It may not be practical—or necessary—to water everything in the garden. Some plants will cope with dry conditions far better than others, so begin by prioritising those that are most vulnerable.
These include:
- Containers and hanging baskets
- Seedlings and young plants
- Recently planted trees, shrubs and perennials
- Leafy vegetables and fruiting crops
- Camellias, rhododendrons and other moisture-loving plants
- Anything showing signs of continued stress
Established trees, shrubs, hedges and perennials should generally be more resilient because their roots can reach moisture deeper in the soil.
A plant that droops in the heat of the afternoon may simply be reducing the amount of water lost through its leaves. Check it again during the cooler evening or early the following morning before assuming it needs watering.
Check the soil before watering
The surface of the soil can appear dry while remaining damp around the plant’s roots.
Push a finger a few centimetres into the soil before reaching for the watering can. If it still feels cool and moist below the surface, the plant may not need any more water yet.
This is particularly important with containers. Although pots can dry out quickly, constantly adding small amounts of water can leave the surface damp without reaching the full root ball.
Water thoroughly rather than little and often
A light sprinkling wets only the top of the soil and encourages plants to develop shallow roots. These roots then become even more vulnerable during hot weather.
Instead, water less frequently but more thoroughly. Direct the water slowly towards the base of the plant and allow it time to soak into the soil.
Watering directly around the roots is much more useful than spraying the leaves or the surrounding area. It also reduces the amount of water lost through evaporation.
Choose the right time of day
Early morning is generally the best time to water. Temperatures are lower, evaporation is reduced and plants have access to moisture before the heat of the day arrives.
If morning watering is not practical, wait until the evening when conditions are cooler.
Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day. Much of the water will evaporate before it can reach the roots, particularly from exposed beds, pots and hanging baskets.
Make the most of available water
Use collected rainwater wherever possible. Water butts connected to sheds, garages, greenhouses and house downpipes can collect a surprising amount when rain eventually arrives.
Some household grey water can also be reused in the garden. Water from baths, showers and washing-up bowls may be suitable for established ornamental plants, provided it does not contain bleach, disinfectant, dishwasher salt or strong cleaning products.
Grey water should be used promptly rather than stored. Avoid using it on seedlings, edible leaves or plants that will be eaten raw.
Always follow the latest advice and restrictions issued by your local water supplier.
Help containers retain moisture
Pots and hanging baskets are among the first parts of the garden to suffer during a drought.
Move smaller containers away from full afternoon sun and group pots together to reduce exposure to hot, drying winds. Placing saucers beneath suitable pots can help retain water, although plants should not be left permanently waterlogged.
When watering a very dry container, apply the water slowly. Compost can shrink away from the sides of the pot when it dries, allowing water to run straight through without soaking the root ball.
If this happens, water once, wait a few minutes and then water again. This gives the compost time to absorb the moisture.
Mulch damp soil
Mulching helps slow evaporation, suppress weeds and protect the soil from direct sunlight.
Suitable materials include:
- Garden compost
- Well-rotted manure
- Bark
- Leaf mould
- Gravel or decorative stone
Apply mulch after watering or rainfall, while the soil is damp. Mulching completely dry ground can make it harder for light rain to penetrate the surface.
Leave a small gap around plant stems and tree trunks to avoid encouraging rot.
Keep on top of weeds
Weeds compete with garden plants for both water and nutrients. Removing them means the available moisture can be used by the plants you want to keep.
Try to remove weeds before they flower and set seed. A layer of mulch can then help prevent more from appearing while reducing moisture loss at the same time.
Don’t worry about a brown lawn
Established lawns often turn brown during prolonged dry weather, but this does not usually mean the grass is dead. It has become dormant to conserve water and should begin growing again when regular rain returns.
There is generally no need to water an established lawn during a drought.
Raise the blades on your mower and mow less frequently. Longer grass shades the soil, protects the roots and retains moisture more effectively than a very closely cut lawn.
Newly laid turf and recently sown grass are more vulnerable and may need additional care, subject to any local water-use restrictions.
Be selective about sowing and planting
Seeds and newly planted specimens require consistent moisture while their roots establish. If the ground is exceptionally dry, delaying non-essential sowing and planting may be the most sensible option.
If you do want to sow, use pots or modules so you can control the moisture more easily. Sow small quantities rather than long rows and keep young plants away from the strongest afternoon sun.
Plants already purchased can sometimes be kept in a sheltered position until conditions improve, although they will still need careful watering while in their pots.
Waiting for rainfall is not giving up on the garden. It simply gives new plants a better chance of establishing successfully.
Avoid feeding stressed plants
Feeding will not revive a plant that is struggling because it lacks water. Fertiliser can encourage fresh growth, creating an even greater demand for moisture.
Wait until the plant has been properly watered and has begun to recover before feeding it. Continue deadheading healthy flowering plants, but avoid hard pruning that could stimulate lots of tender new growth during a dry spell.
Look after fruit and vegetables
Edible plants often need more attention because drought can affect both the size and quality of the crop.
Prioritise:
- Tomatoes as their fruit develops
- Courgettes, cucumbers and squashes
- Runner beans while flowering and forming pods
- Sweetcorn as the cobs swell
- Leafy salads
- Soft fruit
- Vegetables growing in containers
Irregular watering can contribute to split root vegetables, blossom end rot in tomatoes and poor fruit or pod development. Aim for steady, thorough watering rather than allowing plants to become completely dry and then soaking them.
Harvest vegetables regularly so the plant is not using valuable resources to maintain overripe produce.
Plan a more drought-resilient garden
Periods of hot, dry weather are also an opportunity to notice which parts of the garden cope well and which need constant attention.
For future planting, consider choosing plants suited to the conditions in your garden. Lavender, rosemary, salvias, sedums, achillea, verbena and many ornamental grasses can cope well with free-draining soil and dry weather once established.
Improving the soil with organic matter can also help. It allows sandy soil to retain more water while improving the structure and drainage of heavier ground.
Autumn is often an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. The soil remains warm but is usually naturally damper, giving roots time to establish before the following summer.
Work with the weather
Gardening advice should always be adjusted according to the conditions outside your own back door.
During a drought, the priority is not keeping every corner of the garden perfectly green. It is helping vulnerable plants survive, using water carefully and avoiding unnecessary new demands on the garden.
Focus on the plants that need you most, leave established lawns to recover naturally and postpone non-essential planting until conditions improve. Your garden may look a little different for a while, but much of it will bounce back when the rain eventually returns.
For advice on drought-tolerant plants, mulches, water butts or caring for a struggling garden, visit the team at Kings Garden & Leisure in Exmouth or Sidmouth. We’ll be happy to help you find practical solutions for your garden.