With the soaring temperatures set to continue, it’s important to ensure your garden is kept as healthy as possible, and that includes protecting your plants and giving them some extra TLC.
'Our plants perspire 85 per cent more than we do in hot temperatures, so we need to look after them, just as we do ourselves,’ says David Mitchell, buying manager for horticulture at Wyevale Garden Centres. 'Raised temperatures reduce the soil’s ability to absorb fertiliser, so be careful what feed you use as granular products can cause lawns to burn.
'You can also drought-proof plants with an organic fertiliser that contains seaweed, which will enable plants to cope better with drought stress. Adding lots of mulch, such as bark chips, will also provide a barrier to cool the soil and hold moisture.'
Follow David's top tips for keeping gardens healthy this summer:
1. SUPER SEAWEED
Drought-proof your plants with an organic fertiliser that contains seaweed extracts. Naturally occurring substances in seaweed such as Mannitol and Betaines are known to enable plants to cope better physiologically with drought stress.
2. CHANGE YOUR DIET
Raised temperatures reduce the soil’s ability to absorb the nutrition in fertilisers. Too much fertiliser can have the opposite effect and burn plants. Seek out liquid fertilisers that have improved absorption in high temperatures.
3. GET MOWING
Adjust your mower blade to a higher setting to ensure grass stems provide maximum shade to your soil. Resist the urge to rake the lawn for a perfect finish as cuttings can also provide vital shade. And check mover blades to ensure they give a sharp clean cut to the grass.
4. MORE MULCH
Don’t be shy when it comes to adding extra mulch as it provides a vital barrier to cool the soil and hold moisture. Choose well-composted mulches in hot weather such as bark chips on borders.
5. WATER WISELY
Even a well-established lawn will require watering during increased temperatures. A simple sprinkler is easy to set up, however if you have a large area it is worth investing in a proper irrigation system to ensure equal and efficient distribution of water, ideally with a timer. Timing is important; early morning and late evening are the best times of day to allow water enough time to soak into the soil before the sun’s heat rises and speeds up evaporation and transpiration. Consider an automatic watering system to ensure plants are kept watered while on holiday.
Why not try... Kingfisher Electronic Water Timer, £14.47, Amazon BUY NOW
6. GET YOUR BUTTS OUT
Invest in a water butt – it’s an eco-friendly way to water your garden and you can also draw from it should a water ban come into play.
The best garden furniture sets for your outdoor space
Blending function with form, this stylish set includes two rattan chairs, a matching rattan sofa and a glass-topped table. We love the hairpin legs and the grey cushions (not to mention the price!).
We're big fans of Dusk's affordable (and equally stylish) indoor furniture range, so we're, naturally, excited to see the brand has launched its first-ever outdoor sofa range. Available in natural or grey, the range has a variety of sofa sizes and accessories on offer.
This is the ultimate garden furniture set. With its textured cord finish and smoked glass table top, this set exudes style and comfort. It includes a three-seater and two-seater sofa, configured into a corner unit, as well as two smart stools – perfect for entertaining.
Rio L-Shape Corner Modular Garden Set with Fire Pit Table
Impress your guests with a garden furniture set that comes complete with a fire pit table. This ultra-contemporary set can seat up to six people around a cosy fire pit – keeping them warm on those chillier evenings.
Add a little bit of luxury to your garden with Garden Trading's Colwell sofa set. Made from durable rope and acacia wood, this chic set is giving us Ibiza poolside vibes!
This black and cream outdoor corner sofa set would complement any contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired garden. Featuring two loveseats, a corner seat and a coffee table, you can arrange this set in a number of ways.
At just £380, this chic outdoor dining set from Homebase is incredible value. It has a powder-coated steel frame and rattan edges for durability and effortless style.
Here's another garden furniture set from Outsunny that we're loving. This compact (but mighty!) set comes with a two-seater sofa, two armchairs and a matching table – ideal for gardens, patios and even balconies.
We just had to include this rope effect garden furniture set from Amazon. It's been designed with tapered black legs and natural rope for a lovely Scandi look. An added bonus? It comes with matching cream cushions.
We love this stylish garden dining set. Its modern finish will add some chicness to your patio, and there’s a parasol hole as well.
Beach Teak Wood Garden Dining Table and 6 Graphite Butterfly Armchairs
This outdoor dining table and chair set is oozing with contemporary style. Featuring an industrial style table and six black aluminium chairs, this set is ideal for creating a cool, urban jungle aesthetic in your garden.
Relax and soak up the sun with this luxe day bed. With a sleek grey aluminium finish, it includes one sofa with a canopy, and a pouffe.
Kit out your patio for all the family with this lovely outdoor set. With a glass table top, four chairs and four stools all neatly tucked under the table, it won't clutter your outdoor space either.
Who said stylish outdoor furniture was just for adults? Your little ones can relax in style with this charming wooden garden furniture set from KidKraft. It comes with striped cushions and a matching adjustable umbrella that offers shady relief from the summer sun.
Looking to kick back and relax in your garden? This hand-woven, rattan effect mini corner sofa set comes with a cushion-top table that doubles as a footrest.
This stylish daybed makes the perfect outdoor spot to snuggle up with a book. Crafted from durable PE rattan, it comes with a showerproof extendable canopy so you can avoid getting wet during unexpected rain showers. At just under £300, we think it's a fab price for such a roomy piece of furniture.
Serving up your signature summer cocktail? Don't let the party begin without snapping up this fun tiki bar set from Amazon. The set includes two stools and a large shelf to store all of your favourite drinks.
Quirky and functional, this Nordic rattan patio set is ideal for maximising space in your garden. Simply tuck the stylish curved chairs away when you're not using them to free up floor space. This is one our favourite space-saving garden furniture pieces.
Maze Rattan Garden Furniture Winchester 8 Seat Round Dining Set with Venice Chairs & Ice Bucket
Add a touch of heritage charm to your garden with the Winchester outdoor dining set. Not only will the deep-filled cushions provide ultimate comfort, but the integrated ice bucket will serve as a stylish and practical addition to keep your drinks cool.
Introduce bright, bold colour into your garden with this statement blue garden furniture set from Dunelm. With a striking yet compact egg design and metal legs, it's great for small spaces.
