I’m a gardening expert – here’s why you shouldn’t water your garden every day in a heatwave

KEEPING your garden in perfect condition is an everlasting feat and adapting to the change in climate is a key step. But as the country basks in glorious sunshine, the scorching heatwave may prove more than a hindrance than a help. Without the regular downpours Brits and our gardens are accustomed to, grass and plants […]

KEEPING your garden in perfect condition is an everlasting feat and adapting to the change in climate is a key step.

But as the country basks in glorious sunshine, the scorching heatwave may prove more than a hindrance than a help.

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Brits have been warned to resist grabbing the hose to water their garden during the heatwave[/caption]

Without the regular downpours Brits and our gardens are accustomed to, grass and plants will become parched.

But gardeners will need to resist the urge to soak their greenery in water every day to save their beloved blooms.

That’s because overwatering your grass can cause just as much damage as too much sun can.

You should only grab your hose during cooler periods of the day and ensure that you only do it once a week.

Even if you are keen to rehydrate your lawn in the sizzling heat, it will only remain lush and green with the right amount of water.

Experts from gardens and driveways specialists Marshalls told the Mirror: “When watering grass you are looking to water deeply to ensure there’s enough water to see through a drought.”

Despite the pressure to keep everything pretty and pruned while entertaining guests for a summer barbecue, it’s also important to leave your plants alone.

While it might feel wrong, now is the worst time to remove any dead-looking leaves.

Cutting plants encourages them to grow and they will need more water. This is counter-intuitive in the heatwave.

The experts advise: “Trimming a plant will signal them to grow, which uses vital energy and water, which obviously needs to be preserved in heat, so wait until the heatwave has passed to give plants a good trim.”

For those growing their own produce, it’s also important to remember that the sun will shrivel up your veggies.

Nobody wants to find their efforts have gone to waste in the garden, especially when people aim to be more self-sufficient and cut down costs on their groceries.

So if you keep them in the shade, you can help your veg thrive and survive throughout the heatwave.

The experts explained: “Keep all vegetable patches sheltered – creating a small canopy could help.

“Water your vegetable patch in the morning or evening using a watering can.”

Covering your crops up will keep them healthy and edible for when they’re finally ready to enjoy.

For more tips on how to keep your garden in good shape, why not check out our guide to maintaining your lawn.

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