With another heatwave here, the UK continues to see record-breaking temperatures and dwindling rainfall. According to the Met Office, June was one of the hottest on record, and prolonged dry spells are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Even where there's no official hosepipe ban in place, water is under pressure — so it pays to garden smart, not just hard.

Why heatwaves are hard on gardens

Heat stress hits gardens two ways: intense sun damages temperate, moisture-loving plants, while a lack of consistent rain leaves soil parched. The goal isn't to fight the heat — it's to manage the risk with smarter watering, smarter timing, and smarter plant choices.

"It's about adapting and managing risks. Certain plants, particularly lush, moisture-loving varieties like hydrangeas, will always struggle. But there are ways to help them — and your entire garden — cope better."

— Katie Driscoll, RHS Horticultural Advisor

💧 1. Water wisely

Best practice: water early in the morning, aimed at the base of the plant rather than the leaves, using a watering can rather than a hose where possible.

"Always water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and plants can absorb moisture before the heat of the day."

— Katie Driscoll, RHS

• Avoid spraying leaves — aim directly at the base, where water is actually needed.
• A watering can is often more water-efficient than a hose, especially under restrictions.
• Prioritise anything planted in the last 12 months — shallow roots make young trees, shrubs, and bedding plants most vulnerable.

🍂 2. Mulch to lock in moisture

A thick layer of organic mulch — bark chips, straw, compost, or leaf mould — acts as a blanket for soil. It reduces evaporation, keeps roots cool, and improves soil health over time.

"It turns old stems and branches into useful mulch that would otherwise go to waste."

— Max Letek, Hyundai Power Products

🌱 3. Hold off on new plants

Tempted by a garden centre run? Wait it out — planting during a heatwave stresses young plants further.

"Planting in a heatwave only stresses plants further. Stick to tending your existing garden — anything established for two years or more will likely cope well with less water."

— Katie Driscoll, RHS

4. Move pots into shade

Group patio pots together in a shady spot to create a cooler microclimate and cut water loss. Move hanging baskets out of direct sun during peak heat hours too.

 5. Harvest heat-sensitive veg early

Lettuce, pak choi, and other leafy veg can "bolt" (go to seed) in extreme heat. Picking them young avoids bitterness and waste.

"Create makeshift shade using garden furniture, old bed sheets, or shade cloth. Even partial shade can help protect crops."

— Melissa Quinney, Grow-Your-Own Expert

🌾 6. Let the lawn go dormant

A brown, hay-like lawn looks alarming but is rarely dead — it's dormant, and it bounces back when rain returns.

"It's dormant, not dead. It will bounce back when the rain returns."

— Peter Chaloner, Lawn Specialist

Avoid mowing, fertilising, or walking on stressed grass. The exception is newly laid turf, which still needs regular watering until it's established.

🛢️ 7. Use a water butt

Collecting rainwater is one of the most sustainable habits a gardener can build. A standard 100L butt can provide several days of watering during dry spells.

"Connect a butt to your downpipes and use a leaky hose or slow-release irrigation pipe under mulch to maximise water efficiency."

— Nick Hamilton, Gardening Broadcaster

Best water butts for any garden

Climate change is changing how the UK gardens. By working with nature — smarter watering, mulching, and harvesting rainwater — you can keep a garden thriving even through the height of summer.