How to Keep Your Garden Thriving in a Heatwave

10 days ago

Summer is here – and with it comes long days, warm evenings... and the occasional scorcher of a heatwave. While we may enjoy basking in the sun, our gardens can quickly start to feel the heat. But don’t worry — with a few smart tricks, you can keep your plants healthy, hydrated, and flourishing, even during the hottest spells.

Here’s how to help your garden beat the heat:

1. Water Wisely

Timing is everything:
Water early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is low to reduce evaporation. Midday watering can waste more water than your plants absorb.

Deep soak, less often:
Rather than a quick splash every day, give your plants a deep watering 2–3 times a week. This encourages stronger root systems that are better equipped to handle drought.

Use mulch:
A layer of mulch (bark, compost, straw, or even grass clippings) helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cooler.

Tip: Pick up water-saving mulch and irrigation aids in-store!

2. Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants

Some plants are naturally more resistant to heat and dry spells. Great heatwave-friendly options include:

Lavender

Sedums

Salvias

Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)

Ornamental grasses

These plants are not only beautiful but thrive in sunny, dry conditions.

Check out our sun-loving plant range at Flowerland’s nursery!

3. Provide Shade Where Needed

Just like us, some plants appreciate a little shelter from the sun during extreme heat.

Use shade cloth, parasols, or even repurposed netting to protect vulnerable crops or young seedlings.

Move potted plants to cooler spots like under trees, patios, or awnings.

4. Don’t Forget Containers & Hanging Baskets

Pots dry out far faster than ground soil. In a heatwave:

Water pots daily, sometimes even twice a day if in direct sun.

Add water-retaining crystals to the soil to reduce the need for frequent watering.

Group pots together – this helps create a humid microclimate.

Ask our team about moisture control products and potting mixes.

5. Don’t Overfeed or Replant

Avoid feeding plants during extreme heat. Fertilisers can stress them further in hot, dry conditions.

Also, hold off on re-potting or planting new additions unless you're confident they'll be well-shaded and cared for. Transplant shock is much worse in high temperatures.