Gardening expert issues alert on the 'unspoken dry spell' that should concern us this summer season
In the heart of summer, a silent drought is causing concern for gardeners across the UK. Even hardy plants and trees are suffering from this unseen heat stress, with South East Wales and other regions experiencing its effects.
Orpheus Alexander, a gardener, designer, and lifelong plant enthusiast, shares practical gardening tips and insights on Instagram @our_website. He explains that the recent weather has been sparse on downpours, not enough for gardens to receive the water they need.
During a silent drought, outdoor plants should be watered deeply but infrequently, typically about once or twice a week. This ensures the soil is moistened to a sufficient depth, around 6 inches, promoting deep root growth and drought tolerance. It's crucial to water directly at the roots to maximize moisture absorption and avoid evaporation losses.
Key considerations include watering deeply and infrequently, timing watering for mornings or evenings to minimize water loss through evaporation, monitoring soil moisture, mulching to help retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation, and adjusting watering frequency based on plant type.
Mulching, Orpheus' top tip for plants in hot weather, helps soil retain water and is a simple yet effective way to conserve water while preventing plant stress. Other methods for watering a garden during a hosepipe ban include using watering cans, drip irrigation systems, and grey water from showers or washing machines.
High temperatures and a lack of water are causing sunburnt plants, topsoil drying out, brown leaves, wilting branches, and some plants to die. Record-breaking high temperatures and lack of rainfall are causing a silent drought in UK gardens.
Orpheus recommends administering water directly to the roots, rather than from above, and suggests a liquid seaweed feed for plants and trees. Taking a close look at the plants and trees in your garden can help identify signs of a silent drought.
Sadly, the silent drought has already claimed victims. A shrub has been lost in Surrey, and a beautiful rambler, which had been a star performer for years, has also been affected. Acers in the Somerset/Devon borders are almost leafless due to the drought.
After a downpour, it's still essential to water garden plants, especially those showing signs of distress. By following these tips and staying vigilant, we can help our gardens weather this summer's silent drought.
- During the dry, hot summer, practicing deep and infrequent watering at the root level of plants can foster drought tolerance and promote deep root growth.
- Mulching, a simple yet effective method, helps soil retain moisture, conserves water, and aids in preventing plant stress during extended hot weather.
- In a silent drought, like the one affecting the UK, it is vital to water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water loss through evaporation.
- Orpheus, a gardener and lifelong plant enthusiast, advises using liquid seaweed feed for plants and trees to help them weather the effects of the ongoing drought.
