All over the UK, people are feeling the heat with temperatures set to exceed 34C in certain areas. This is one of a few heatwaves we’ve had recently, and while it’s great news if you want to spend time outside with friends and family, it can wreak havoc on your garden.
Just like humans and pets, our plants can suffer when the weather is very warm. Making sure they’re hydrated enough is crucial if you want them to keep on thriving. But according to experts, one key watering mistake could make matters a lot worse.
The mistake is simple – watering your plants from above. Josh Novell, gardening expert at Polhill Garden Centre, says that while it might seem normal to pour water over your plants during hot weather, top watering can actually do more harm than good.
Josh explained: “In intense heat, watering from above can scorch the leaves, waste water through evaporation, and even increase the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
“Bottom-watering is a far more effective method, especially during a heatwave.”
How to water plants during a heatwave
Bottom-watering involves applying water directly to the plant’s base, allowing moisture to soak through the soil and reach the roots efficiently.
This method prevents leaf damage and encourages stronger root growth, which helps plants become more resilient in extreme conditions.
Josh said: “Bottom-watering encourages plants to develop deep, strong root systems. This makes them better able to withstand heat and drought in the long run.”
Another benefit is that it reduces the likelihood of diseases caused by excess moisture sitting on leaves and stems, like rust, powdery mildew, and black spot, which can weaken or even kill plants during hot, humid spells.
Why over-watering is so dangerous
It might sound like giving plants extra water during a heatwave makes sense, but this can actually backfire.
Josh warned: “Overwatering can saturate the soil, block air flow, and prevent nutrients from reaching the roots. If your soil doesn’t drain well, like clay or silty soils, you risk root rot and suffocation.”
For best results, Josh recommended using sandy or loamy soil and containers with good drainage. A long-handled watering wand can also help you reach the base of plants, hanging baskets, and tight spots without wetting the foliage.