With Briton’s first heatwave of the year fast approaching many people will be choosing to spend their time in the great outdoors, making the most of the sunshine.

Some will be sunbathing, some spending time with family and friends, and others will choose to do some gardening.

While gardens might love a spot of sunshine, gardening in hot weather should be undertaken carefully. 

The wrong move could make the difference between preserving and protecting beloved plants and destroying them. 

With that being said, William Mitchell of Sutton Manor Nursery has shared a few precautions gardeners should take and certain rules to follow during hot weather.

1. Water plants more often and deeply 

During a heatwave, there is a risk that soil may dry out, which would prove harmful to plants. Therefore, the expert explained that it is important to water plants more often and deeply. 

He said: “You should water plants deeply to ensure the soil does not dry out and that plants are able to receive the nutrients they need.”

It is recommended to water garden plants during the early morning so the water can dry off quickly and will avoid being scratched by the sun.

Gardeners should try to avoid watering during the late ending as well as this can lead to the development of fungal diseases.

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2. Add mulch 

Adding mulch to the garden is a “great way” to keep plant roots moist during a heatwave, while also providing shade to the soil. This ensures temperatures are regulated and protects plants from heat stress. 

Adding mulch can also require less water to be used, therefore providing great environmental benefits.

3. Cut down on pruning 

Pruning requires removing parts of a plant and during a heatwave, plants are already struggling with the potential lack of nutrients as well as facing the risk of heat stress so the expert suggested gardeners “cut down on pruning”. 

William warned: “Pruning during this weather will simply deprive plants of even more nutrients, which could even cause them to die prematurely.”

4. Ditch the fertiliser 

Adding fertiliser during a heatwave can “dry out your plants” and can cause “further stress”. 

The expert added: “Extreme weather can also increase the concentration of fertiliser, which can cause extreme effects such as drying out plants even further.”

5. Move potted plants to a shaded area

Gardeners should move their pots into the shade during the heatwave. This includes both potted plants and potted trees, to ensure they are protected from the extreme heat. 

Once the heatwave has passed, gardeners can place them back to where they originally were.

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