Temperatures are once again rising in the UK, with some parts of the country expected to see peaks of 33C over the weekend. And in response to the climbing mercury, gardeners are being told not to make two common mistakes with their plants.
We all know how unbearable the heat can be for our own bodies, but it can be just as taxing on our flowers, causing them to wilt if we don’t take extra care with them when the weather warms up.
But according to one gardening expert, there are actually a few hot weather rules that many gardeners follow even when they don’t need to.
Michael Griffiths shared a video on TikTok in which he set out to debunk two hot-weather watering myths that some gardeners think are golden rules.
In fact, Michael claimed that following these two rules can actually do your plants more harm than good in some cases, as it can leave your garden feeling thirsty.
1. Myth: Watering in full sun can burn your plants
The first myth Michael tackled was the common misconception that watering your plants when they’re in full sun can scorch the leaves and cause the plant to burn.
People believe this to be true because the theory is that when droplets of water land on the leaves, they create mini magnifying glasses that catch the sunlight. However, Michael insisted that plants survive just fine when the sun comes out after a brief rain shower, so they should have no problems handling a midday watering.
He said: “The reality is, plants survive quite happily in sun and showers and don’t suffer from leaf scorch.”
2. Myth: You can’t water during the day
Next, Michael tackled the belief that you can only water your plants either in the morning or the evening. The gardener admitted that this method is more efficient for both your wallet and your plant, as this is the optimum time to give them water.
However, if the weather is exceptionally hot and your soil is dry, there’s nothing wrong with giving your plants more water in the afternoon. This will stop them from wilting in the heat.
Michael said: “That’s not the only time you can water. If your plants are thirsty in the midday sun, give them a water. Yes, you’re going to use more water due to evaporation and transpiration, but you’re certainly not going to harm them.”
How to take care of plants in hot weather
1. Water Wisely
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Focus water at the base of the plant, not the leaves, to prevent fungal diseases and minimize evaporation.
- Use mulch (straw, wood chips, or compost) around the base of plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
2. Provide Shade
- Use shade cloth, old sheets, or garden umbrellas to protect sensitive plants from the harsh midday sun.
- Move potted plants to shaded or partially shaded areas during extreme heat.
- Plant taller crops or use trellises to create natural shade for smaller, more delicate plants.
3. Reduce Stress
- Avoid fertilizing during heat waves, as this can stress plants further.
- Hold off on pruning, which can expose more plant tissue to the sun.
- Remove weeds, which compete with your plants for water and nutrients.
4. Monitor Soil and Plants
- Check soil moisture regularly; hot weather can dry soil quickly.
- Watch for signs of heat stress: wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop.
- Mist delicate plants lightly if they are struggling, but avoid overwatering.
