Caring for Your Garden During a Heatwave A practical guide to protecting your plants, conserving water and helping garden wildlife When temperatures climb into the mid to high 30s, our gardens can quickly begin to feel the strain. While we might enjoy a few days of sunshine, prolonged periods of intense heat can leave plants wilted, lawns brown and wildlife searching for food and water. The good news is that with a few simple changes to your gardening routine, you can help your garden not only survive a heatwave, but continue to thrive while using water responsibly. Many plants are far tougher than they look, and by working with nature rather than against it, you'll create a healthier, more resilient garden for years to come. Water Smarter, Not More One of the biggest mistakes during a heatwave is watering little and often. While it may seem helpful, frequent shallow watering encourages roots to stay close to the soil surface, making plants even more vulnerable when the ground dries out. Instead, aim to water deeply but less frequently. This encourages roots to grow down into cooler, moisture-rich soil where they'll be better equipped to cope with future hot weather. The best time to water Water either: Early in the morning before the sun becomes strong. Later in the evening once temperatures begin to fall. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day. Much of the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots, and droplets left on foliage can sometimes increase the risk of leaf scorch on particularly delicate plants. Why Irrigation Could Be Your Garden's Best Investment When people hear "irrigation system", they often imagine expensive equipment or large landscaped gardens. In reality, modern drip irrigation kits are surprisingly affordable, easy to install and can make a huge difference during dry spells. Unlike sprinklers, which throw water into the air where much of it evaporates, drip irrigation delivers water exactly where it's needed—directly to the root zone. The benefits include: Using significantly less water. Less evaporation. Healthier root systems. Reduced weed growth. Consistent watering while you're away. Less time spent carrying watering cans around the garden. Many systems simply connect to an outdoor tap and can even be fitted with timers, helping you water efficiently while reducing waste. Click Here to see our selection of irrigation systems Mulch: Nature's Blanket If there is one thing gardeners can do during a heatwave, it's mulch. A layer of compost, bark, well-rotted manure or other organic mulch helps: Lock moisture into the soil. Keep roots cooler. Reduce evaporation. Suppress weeds that compete for water. Improve soil structure over time. Apply a layer around borders and containers, leaving a small gap around plant stems to prevent rot. Don't Panic About Your Lawn One of the most common questions during hot weather is: "My lawn has turned brown. Is it dead?" Usually, the answer is no. Grass is remarkably resilient. During prolonged drought it naturally enters a period of dormancy to conserve energy. Although it may lose its lush green colour, the roots are usually still alive beneath the surface. Once cooler temperatures and rainfall return, most lawns recover beautifully. Unless your lawn is newly laid, there's generally no need to use large amounts of water trying to keep it green. Allowing it to rest naturally is both environmentally friendly and far better for conserving water. If possible: Raise your mower height. Avoid cutting during extreme heat. Leave clippings on the lawn where appropriate to help retain moisture. Stay off dry lawns as much as possible to reduce stress. Nature often knows exactly what it's doing. Container Plants Need Extra Attention Plants growing in pots and containers dry out much faster than those growing in the ground. Check containers daily during a heatwave, especially: Hanging baskets Window boxes Patio pots Terracotta containers Terracotta is beautiful but naturally porous, meaning water evaporates through the sides as well as from the soil surface. If possible: Move pots into partial shade during the hottest afternoons. Group containers together to create a more humid microclimate. Add mulch to the surface of compost. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Remember that compost can sometimes become so dry that water runs straight through. If this happens, stand the pot in a bucket or tray of water for 20–30 minutes to allow the compost to fully rehydrate. Plants That Love the Heat Some plants positively relish long, hot summers and often perform even better during warm weather. These include: Lavender Salvia Verbena bonariensis Gaura Agapanthus Sedum Echinacea Rosemary Thyme Perovskia (Russian Sage) Cistus Osteospermum Gazania Many Mediterranean plants are naturally adapted to dry conditions thanks to silver foliage, aromatic leaves or deep root systems. Once established, they often require very little additional watering. Plants That May Need a Helping Hand Other plants are less tolerant of prolonged heat and may need closer attention. Keep an eye on: Hydrangeas Astilbes Hostas Fuchsias Lobelia Busy Lizzies (Impatiens) Begonias in full sun Newly planted shrubs Freshly planted perennials Young trees Recently sown lawns These plants often have softer foliage or shallower roots, making them more susceptible to drying out. If they're beginning to wilt, don't panic. Wilting is often a protective response to reduce water loss. Check the soil before watering, as plants may recover naturally once temperatures fall. Give New Plants Time to Establish Even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering during their first growing season. A newly planted lavender, for example, still needs moisture while establishing its roots before it becomes truly drought resistant. Focus your watering efforts on: Anything planted this year. Young trees. Newly planted hedging. Freshly planted shrubs. Recent perennial additions. These will benefit most from targeted watering. Skip the Feeding (For Now) During periods of extreme heat, many plants naturally slow their growth. Applying fertiliser while plants are stressed can do more harm than good. Wait until temperatures cool and plants return to active growth before resuming regular feeding. Weeding Still Matters Although it may feel counterproductive during a heatwave, removing weeds is one of the best ways to conserve water. Every weed is competing with your plants for valuable moisture. Removing them means more water remains available for the plants you actually want to grow. Caring for Garden Wildlife During a Heatwave Our gardens become incredibly important for wildlife during prolonged hot weather. Birds, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs and countless beneficial insects all rely on gardens for food, shelter and water. With just a few thoughtful additions, you can make a real difference. Put Out Fresh Water Every Day Water is often harder for wildlife to find than food. Place shallow dishes of fresh water around the garden and refresh them daily. Add a few pebbles or stones so bees and other pollinating insects have somewhere safe to land while drinking. If you have several water sources, position them in both sunny and shaded areas. Help Birds Stay Cool Birds don't just drink—they also bathe to keep cool and maintain healthy feathers. A shallow bird bath or even a large plant saucer filled with clean water can become a welcome oasis. Clean and refill bird baths regularly to help prevent the build-up of bacteria and algae during warm weather. Don't Tidy Too Much It can be tempting to keep everything neat, but slightly untidy areas provide valuable shelter. Leave: Long grass where possible. Log piles. Dense shrubs. Leafy corners. These cooler spaces give insects, frogs, hedgehogs and other creatures somewhere to escape the midday heat. Keep Feeding Birds Natural food sources can become scarce during prolonged dry weather. Continue providing bird food alongside fresh water, especially early in the morning when birds are most active. Protect Pollinators Bees and butterflies work hardest during summer, but they can struggle when flowers dry out. Choose nectar-rich plants such as: Lavender Salvia Echinacea Verbena Scabious Cosmos Agastache Deadheading regularly can encourage many summer-flowering plants to continue producing fresh blooms for pollinators. Watch Out for Hedgehogs Hedgehogs travel surprising distances each night searching for food and water. A shallow bowl of fresh water left in a quiet corner can be lifesaving during extended hot weather. Avoid leaving garden netting or deep-sided containers where thirsty wildlife could become trapped. Ponds Need a Little Help Too If you're lucky enough to have a pond, avoid completely topping it up every day. Small fluctuations in water level are perfectly natural. Instead: Top up only if levels become very low. Use collected rainwater where possible. Keep part of the pond shaded with aquatic plants. Never remove all blanket weed or pond plants at once, as these provide valuable shelter. Adding fountains or constantly disturbing the water isn't usually necessary and may increase evaporation. Looking Ahead Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, but they don't have to spell disaster for our gardens. By watering wisely, improving soil health, choosing resilient plants and making a few wildlife-friendly changes, your garden can become better equipped to cope with long, dry summers while using less water. Remember, gardening isn't about perfection. A lawn that turns golden, a few wilted leaves on a hot afternoon or flowers that pause briefly are all part of a garden responding naturally to the weather. With a little patience, thoughtful care and a focus on sustainability, your garden—and everything that calls it home—will thank you. Need a little advice? Our friendly plant team are always happy to help you choose drought-tolerant plants, recommend the right composts and mulches, or find simple irrigation solutions to make summer watering easier. Pop into your local Bosworths Garden Centre and we'll help your garden stay happy, healthy and thriving all season long.