Summer Gardening Alert: Expert Warns of Hidden Drought Risk on the Horizon
During the hot summer months, outdoor plants in the UK require special care to thrive. A 'silent drought' is currently occurring, where gardens are not getting enough water despite occasional downpours, leading to signs of distress such as brown leaves, wilting branches, and dying plants.
To avoid the most common watering mistake during hot weather, it's important to administer water directly to the roots. For lawns, watering deeply twice a week with a total of around 1 inch of water per week is recommended, increasing to longer durations during extreme heat to maintain moisture without overwatering.
For other outdoor plants, the watering needs vary. Potted plants, planters, and hanging baskets need more frequent watering, often daily or every other day in heat, because they dry out faster. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials also require regular watering to help them establish during hot, dry periods. Well-established garden plants typically need less frequent watering but should be monitored for moisture stress.
Using mulch to retain soil moisture is a great way to prevent the 'silent drought'. Mulch helps the soil retain water, even under hosepipe bans. It's crucial to avoid letting containers swing between dry and saturated; keeping a consistent watering schedule helps maintain healthy roots and avoid stress.
Orpheus Alexander, a gardener, warns about the 'silent drought' happening this summer. He advises feeding plants and trees with a liquid seaweed feed to provide essential nutrients and help them cope with the dry conditions.
Gardeners in various regions, such as Somerset/Devon, South East Wales, and Surrey, have reported the effects of the dry weather on their gardens. Even hardy plants and trees are suffering from the 'silent drought'.
Temperatures are set to rise again next week, making it crucial to stay ahead of the 'silent drought' problem. Watering at the coolest part of the day can help ensure water goes further. After heavy rain, it's vital to water garden plants, especially those showing signs of 'silent drought'.
There are several ways to water a garden during a hosepipe ban to ensure plants get the moisture they need. Mulching is Orpheus' top tip for plants in hot weather to retain moisture level in the soil.
Orpheus recently asked his followers if they have seen signs of a Silent Drought in their area. If you notice any signs of dehydration in your garden, it's important to take action to help your plants survive the dry spell.
- To maintain the health and wellness of outdoor plants during the hot summer months, it's advisable to water them directly at the roots, ensuring a consistent watering schedule.
- To help outdoor plants cope with dry conditions, Orpheus Alexander, a gardener, recommends feeding them with a liquid seaweed feed that provides essential nutrients.
- Gardening enthusiasts from regions such as Somerset/Devon, South East Wales, and Surrey have reported that even hardy plants and trees are struggling due to the 'silent drought'.
- To prevent a 'silent drought' in your garden during a hosepipe ban, using mulch to retain soil moisture is an effective technique.
- Gardeners should be vigilant during the hot summer months and take action immediately if they notice any signs of dehydration in their garden, such as brown leaves or wilting branches, to help their plants survive the dry spell.
