FLOWERS

• Keep feeding, watering, and deadheading late-summer bedding regularly, checking hanging baskets and pots daily as high heat dries them out quickly

• Move delicate potted flowers into partial shade or group containers together so they shelter each other during peak hot sunshine

• Prune summer-flowering shrubs like philadelphus and weigela right after blooming to maintain shape and promote strong new growth

• Collect and store seeds from favourite hardy annuals on dry days, keeping them in labelled paper envelopes in a cool space

• Check regularly for red spider mites and aphids, which thrive in dry heat, misting leaf undersides to deter pests

• Prune wisteria by trimming back soft green side-shoots to 5–6 leaves to keep growth tidy and focus energy on spring flower bud

• Collect and store seeds from favourite hardy annuals on dry days, keeping them in labelled paper envelopes in a cool space

FRUIT & VEG

• Water thirsty crops like tomatoes, courgettes, and pumpkins deeply at the base early in the morning or late evening to prevent evaporation

• Harvest crops like beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes frequently to keep plants producing and prevent heat-stressed fruit from spoiling

• Damp down greenhouse floors and open all doors and vents daily to drop temperatures and raise humidity during 25-30°C hot spells

• Pinch out the main growing tips of outdoor cordon tomatoes so the plant focuses its remaining energy on ripening current fruit

• Prune summer-fruiting raspberries down to ground level after harvesting, keeping sturdy new green canes for next year’s crop

• Sow quick-growing, heat-tolerant salad leaves like rocket, radishes, and winter spinach in shady spots to keep soil cool for germination

TIPS AND ADVICE FOR THE WARMER WEATHER

• Water deeply at the roots – Give borders a thorough soak every few days early morning or late evening rather than a light daily sprinkle
• Raise your lawnmower blades – Leave grass higher during hot dry spells to shade the soil, retain moisture, and prevent lawn scorching
• Pause heavy fertilising – Avoid feeding heat-stressed plants during 30°C weather, as forcing rapid growth without excess moisture causes burn
• Apply thick organic mulch – Spread a 5cm layer of bark chips or compost over moist border soil to lock in moisture and cool roots.
• Top up wildlife water stations – Keep shallow dishes or bird baths filled daily with fresh water and pebbles so birds and bees stay hydrated
• Group pots and containers – Cluster patio pots together in shaded areas to block direct sun from baking container soil like an oven

FOR MORE TIPS AND USEFUL INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE ‘PLANT FINDER’ – A GREAT TOOL FOR SPECIFIC PLANT HELP!