It seems that the warm weather is showing no signs of slowing down. For many keen gardeners, the prospect of a long, dry summer can be very daunting, but we at Haskins believe that with the right steps taken and with water harvesting, the longevity of your plants in these harsh conditions and the overall quality of the garden can be greatly improved.
Watering your plants late in the evening when the temperature has dropped is a great way of ensuring that the evaporation from the leaves is reduced, and for those hard baked grounds, a sprinkler is key. Bare earth will be damaged if exposed to the sun, so consider growing succulents or Mediterranean plants in these sunny spots to make use of the strong rays. Animals can also be a great way of enhancing your garden in these conditions, so make sure to top up those bird baths and leave water out for passing wildlife.
In terms of water harvesting, collecting rain water throughout the year and preparing for next summer is something we strongly recommend, by attaching water tanks to the downpipes in your guttering, or by installing larger underground tanks. Stored water is usually better for plants due to the lower concentration of lime compared to tap water, so your plants will be healthier too!
Utilising these tips will ensure your garden will remain healthy and strong in the heat. Just remember your sunscreen!
You can tweet @HaskinsGarden for gardening advice or visit www.haskins.co.uk. Haskins has a centre in Ferndown, Dorset and also in West End, Southampton.
Ferndown, Dorset • West End, Southampton
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