Watering during a heatwave
In a heatwave, an established garden’s best survival strategy is a thorough soak before the heat arrives, then early-morning or evening watering of the plants that really need it.
Prioritise the plants that cannot wait
Pots, hanging baskets, new plantings and vegetables are the priority during hot weather. Established borders and lawns survive a heatwave with far less water, and over-watering them wastes the water that vulnerable plants need.
- water pots and baskets early or late in the day
- give new trees and shrubs a deep soak
- skip the lawn unless it was recently sown or laid
- use mulch or shade to slow moisture loss
Heatwaves and hosepipe bans
Heatwaves are exactly when restrictions are most likely. Always confirm the current restriction for your area before watering, and follow the supplier’s notice about permitted methods and exemptions.
Check the official restriction for your area. A Temporary Use Ban can change what you are allowed to do with a hosepipe, whatever this guidance says. Check your postcode.