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Water is an essential nutrient for plants, and is something that should be done all year in order for them to survive.
However in the summer months, some plants may need lots more water as the warmer weather can make them dry out lots quicker.
1. Not planting responsibly
According to the director of Polhill Garden Centre, Josh Novell, not planting in the garden responsibly is a huge error many make.
The expert explained: “Using plants that can withstand weather changes will be better to keep your garden looking healthy.
“Planting more delicate plants is risky as they may not agree with the hot weather such as the red herringbone plant, satin pothos and orchid cactus which prefer medium light and moist soil.
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“It is important during planting that you research what your new plants require if they grow well in partial shade or need access to sunlight as much as they can.
“A good way to identify a drought-tolerant plant is the colour of the leaves, the majority have silver or grey-green as these light colours reflect the harsh rays of the sun.”
Other examples of drought-friendly plants include lavender, hebe, cordyline and gum.
2. Not weeding regularly
If garden plants have to compete with nutrients, water and sunlight from weeds, they will not be growing at their “optimal health”.
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Weeds can also harbour pests and diseases so it is best to remove all garden weeds little and often to keep on top of them.
The expert said: “Weeds can quickly get out of hand, and they love the extra sunshine which promotes growth. Regular weeding can give your plants the nutrients and sunlight they need to grow healthy.
“It may also be a good idea to include some water-retaining granules in your planting as the UK may be heading towards another hosepipe ban this summer.”
3. Giving plants too much water
Overwatering garden plants in the summer can not only damage the plants but also waste a lot of water, according to the pro.
This can saturate the soil and prevent it from aerating and having access to nutrients. In order to avoid this, Josh recommended “bottom watering” which can be a great way to water plants if done correctly.
He added: “It can prevent soil disruption, nutrient loss and leaf damage. It can also help your plants absorb water more evenly and efficiently.
“You can overwater your plants at the bottom if you do not have containers with slow drainage or have soil that is too dense and does not drain effectively.
“Clay-based or silty soil isn’t very good for drainage and gardeners should opt for sandy, loamy or gravel-based soils to provide better drainage opportunities for your plants.”
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