With rising summer temperatures in the UK, heatwaves are no longer a rare occurrence, and they’re particularly tough on our gardens.

Prolonged heat and dry spells can damage our lawns, stress the hardiest plants, and leave our flowers wilted and vegetable beds parched. But with a few mindful adjustments, you can keep your garden thriving through the hotter weather.

Hamid Ali, Horticulture expert on local services marketplace Airtasker shares five common mistakes we can avoid and help our gardens to thrive during the hotter weather.

1. Watering at the Wrong Time

Mistake: Many people water their gardens during the day when it feels hottest. Unfortunately, that’s when evaporation is at its peak, meaning much of the water never reaches the roots.

Fix: Water early in the morning, ideally before 9 a.m. when the ground is cooler and water can soak into the soil. If mornings aren’t possible, late evening is the next best option, though cooler, damp conditions overnight can occasionally encourage slugs or mildew.

2. Avoid Overwatering

Mistake: In an effort to rescue wilting plants, gardeners often overcompensate and flood their borders or pots, assuming more is better.

Fix: While plants do need consistent moisture in hot weather, too much water can be just as damaging, causing root rot or encouraging fungal disease. Check the soil first: if the top couple of inches are dry, it’s time to water. Containers and hanging baskets may need watering daily, but border plants may only need a deep soak a few times a week.

3. Don’t Forget the Mulch

Mistake: Bare soil heats up quickly and loses moisture fast. Yet many garden owners overlook the benefits of mulching during summer.

Fix: Apply a layer of mulch, compost, bark chips, straw, or even grass clippings around the base of plants. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool. For veg patches, try using straw or biodegradable mats between rows.

4. Feeding Plants During Peak Heat

Mistake: Adding fertiliser in hot weather might seem like a good idea to give plants a boost, but it can actually cause stress and “burn” the roots.

Fix: Avoid feeding plants during extreme heat. Most plants go into survival mode, not growth mode, during a heatwave. Hold off until temperatures cool down, then feed with a balanced fertiliser to aid recovery.

5. Leaving Plants Without Shade

Mistake: Some UK gardeners assume our plants can handle sun all day long, but even sun-loving flowers can suffer in prolonged heat.

Fix: Offer temporary shade to vulnerable plants, especially new seedlings, potted plants, and shade-loving species like ferns or hostas. Use shade cloth, garden fleece, an old bed sheet, or even move pots into partial shade. South-facing patios can become especially hot, raise containers off the ground and give them midday shade if possible.

Additional Tips for Heatwave Gardening in the UK

Prioritise vulnerable plants: Focus your efforts on anything newly planted or in containers.

2. Don’t mow the lawn too short: Longer grass copes better with heat and retains moisture.

3. Collect rainwater: Install water butts for when hosepipe bans come into effect.

With a little care and a few smart adjustments, your garden can continue to thrive even during the UK’s increasingly hot summers.

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