Helping Your Garden Thrive During a Heatwave

With much of the UK experiencing increasingly hot and dry weather, gardens can quickly begin to show signs of stress. Wilting plants, dry lawns and struggling borders are common during periods of prolonged heat, but a few simple steps can help keep your garden healthy and resilient.

One of the most important things you can do is water wisely. Rather than watering little and often, give plants a thorough soak early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This allows moisture to penetrate deeper into the soil, encouraging stronger root growth and reducing water loss through evaporation.

Applying a layer of mulch around plants can also make a significant difference. Mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cooler and suppresses weeds that compete for valuable water.

During a heatwave, it's also worth raising the mowing height of your lawn. Longer grass provides natural shade for the soil, helping it retain moisture and reducing the risk of scorching.

Finally, keep an eye on newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials, as these are often the most vulnerable to drought conditions and may require additional watering.

With a little extra care, your garden can continue to thrive even during the hottest weather. If you'd like advice on irrigation, lawn care or seasonal garden maintenance, our RHS-qualified team is always happy to help.

Post-Halloween Pumpkins

After all the Halloween festivities, here are a few ideas as to what to do and what not to do with your pumpkins…

DO

• try and find ways in which to use your pumpkins in the kitchen. You could roast the seeds and add some of your favourite spices for a delicious snack or use the flesh for some warming, seasonal soup.

• feed your leftover pumpkin to your chickens. Just make sure you bring the pumpkins in before it gets dark.

• put any leftover pumpkins in your compost bin.

DON’T

• leave your pumpkins outside as they are poisonous to many animals, including hedgehogs.