As the UK braces for another round of scorching temperatures this weekend, gardening experts are urging Brits to act fast to protect their plants from potential heat damage. One surprising but effective method is draping a bedsheet over your plants.
With temperatures forecast to soar well into 30°C, keeping gardens green and healthy during this heatwave is no small feat. But gardening expert LeAnne Samuelson from Prestige Botanicals says a little preparation can make all the difference, and that includes rummaging through your linen cupboard.
“A bedsheet or even a net curtain can do the trick, offering some relief from the direct sun,” LeAnne explained.
“Just be mindful that this can make it harder for the soil to retain moisture, so you’ll need to water more often.”
The hack works by providing a temporary canopy that shields delicate plants from the most intense midday sun, helping prevent wilting, scorching, and dehydration, especially for varieties that prefer partial shade, like begonias and peperomias.
Samuelson stresses the importance of knowing your plants’ sunlight needs, noting that some species cope better than others in full sun.
“Succulents and lavender love full sun,” she said, “but ferns and hostas thrive in shadier spots.”
She also highlights timing and moderation in watering as key strategies during heatwaves.
“The best time to water your plants is either early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun isn’t at its peak,” she advised.
“If you water them during the hottest part of the day, the water will evaporate before the plants have a chance to soak it up.”
But overwatering can be just as dangerous.
“It’s easy to think that your plants need more water when it’s hot, but this isn’t always the case,” she added.
“Overwatering can harm them just as much as underwatering.”
For container plants, Samuelson suggested moving them to shaded or cooler parts of the garden.
As many across the country prepare for sun-soaked days ahead, a simple sheet and some smart gardening tactics might be the best defence for the UK’s garden beds this weekend.