Sunny summer days are perfect for making the most of the garden, but prolonged heat can quickly take its toll. Borders can start to look tired, lawns may turn brown, and containers dry out far faster than usual. Knowing which jobs to prioritise will help keep your outdoor space looking its best without spending hours working in the heat.
Below, we reveal the three tasks that you should never skip, as well as how to keep your plants healthy throughout the hottest months.
1. Water wisely in hot weather
When temperatures soar, it can be tempting to water little and often – but a smarter approach will actually keep plants healthier for longer.
‘Smart watering is the secret to a thriving garden, especially during a heatwave,’ says Charlotte McGrattan, hardy nursery stock buyer at Hillier Garden Centres. ‘For best results, water your plants during the coolest part of the day, in the early morning or late evening, to minimise water loss through evaporation.’
Aim to water at the base of the plant so the roots can absorb it effectively, and try to avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of disease. Adding a generous layer of organic mulch, such as compost, wood chippings or leaf mould, can also help lock in moisture.
‘With growing pressure on water resources, gardeners should also be watering more thoughtfully,’ Charlotte adds. ‘Collecting rainwater in a water butt or rain chain is a simple and sustainable way to build up reserves, especially in the event of hose pipe restrictions.’
2. Choose plants that cope with dry conditions
If you're hoping for a lower-maintenance garden this summer, selecting plants that naturally thrive in hot, dry weather can make a noticeable difference.
‘Adding drought-tolerant plants is a great place to start,’ notes Charlotte. ‘Once established, many of these varieties can cope well in hot and dry conditions, making them a practical choice for gardeners looking to create a more resilient outdoor space.’
Reliable options include lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses such as stipa and festuca, all of which flourish in sunny spots. Mediterranean herbs, including rosemary and thyme, are another practical choice, providing fragrance and ingredients for summer barbecues and salads, all while requiring relatively little water.
3. Spend just 20 minutes maintaining your garden
Looking after your garden during summer doesn't have to mean dedicating entire weekends to maintenance. In fact, shorter, regular sessions can often be more effective.
‘Setting aside just 20 minutes every couple of days can be enough to stop small jobs from piling up and keep the garden under control,’ Charlotte tells us.
She recommends focusing on simple tasks that keep plants healthy, such as deadheading faded flowers to encourage more blooms, removing weeds before they spread, and checking plants for early signs of pests or heat stress.
It's also worth paying attention to the overall appearance of the garden. Regularly mowing the lawn with blades set slightly higher during hot weather helps lawns retain moisture, while a quick tidy of edges or lightly cutting back overgrowth can instantly improve the overall appearance without needing a full overhaul.
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