Heatwave gardening: Tips, tricks and drought tolerant plants

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Its been quite hot, it has to be said.

The aim for this post is to give you some practical ideas, and some theory behind looking after your Buckinghamshire garden during the summer heat, and what you can plant that tolerates these conditions.

Lets start off with watering and a myth to bust!

Watering during the day when the sun is out is not going to damage your plants in any way.
There has never been any evidence to suggest watering during strong sunlight could in any way damage your plants. Working as a gardener in Bucks, I’ve been in many situations where the lovely english summer has suddenly turned to sudden downpour, and then back to blistering sun again. I’ve never witnessed any damage to anything from this, and same goes for your garden hose.

Should you water during the heat of the day though?
Generally speaking, no. This is due to evaporation and water conservation. It drys too quickly for plants to get the time to uptake, and ultimately you will use more water than nessicary.

What time should I water?
The early morning, before it gets too hot, and/or the evening once the sun is lower. Plants stay wet longer, and if you water well in the evening they have all night to uptake the water before the heat returns the next morning.

What else can I do to conserve water?
Mulching – putting a layer of organic (compost, bark) or inorganic (pebbles, stones) over the soil will help retain moisture. I would always recommend organic over inorganic, as it makes maintenance much easier, as well as benefits soil with extra nutrients. For areas where water conservation is more important than maintenance how-ever, like pots, an inorganic mulch may be the better option for water conservation.

I do not recommend the use of water retaining granules or crystals, due to possible environmental impact. Biodegradeable doesn’t always equal environmentally friendly!

What can I plant that tolerates dry conditions?
Plants for dry conditions tend to be silvery leaf plants, as this adaptation allows them to reflect light and minimises transpiration – through the air. Succulents and similar plants that store water to a degree are also adapted for dry conditions.

I’d recommend some of the following:

1. Berginia cordifolia.
2. Phlomis fruiticosa
3. Stachys byzantina
4. Salvia ‘Caradonna’
5. Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’

There are many more to choose from. If you have a hot, dry area of the garden you would like turned into a colourful, wildlife friendly area please get in touch today.