There is something very heartbreaking about watching a garden you have lovingly tended wilt due to a relentless dry spell. This is usually the time when leaves lose their confidence, and even the most resilient plants begin to look a little sorry for themselves.
However, dry weather doesn’t have to mean a struggling garden. With the right approach and a few good supplies, your plants can not only survive but genuinely thrive. Whether you are particularly good with plants or just finding your feet, a visit to a local garden centre in Nailsworth can really be of help.
Ways To Keep Your Outdoor Plants Thriving in Dry Weather
Water Smarter, Not More
The first thing that people do when they notice their plants looking dry is water them at every opportunity, but more water isn’t always the answer. According to experts, frequent shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, making them far more vulnerable to heat. What plants really need during dry spells is deep, infrequent watering. This encourages roots to grow downward in search of moisture.
Watering in the early morning is ideal. It allows the moisture to reach the roots before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate. Avoid watering in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest.
For pots/ containers, check the soil by pushing a finger an inch deep. If it is still damp, it does not need water yet.
The Garden’s Best Kept Secret
If there’s one thing that genuinely helps in how a garden copes with dry weather, it’s mulch. A layer of mulch spread around the base of plants helps in a few ways. It slows down moisture evaporation from the soil, suppresses weeds that compete for water, and also boosts soil structure.
For those who do not know where to start, you can use peat-free compost and farmyard manure. Both are excellent mulching materials and are widely available from a good garden centre in Nailsworth. Keep it a few centimetres away from the plant stem to avoid rot. When applied correctly, the mulch can significantly reduce how often you need to water.
Choosing the Right Plants for Dry Conditions
Some plants handle dry spells/ drought far better than others, and knowing which ones do can save you tons of frustration. Lavender, salvia, sedums, and ornamental grasses are typically well-suited to dry conditions. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme also thrive in heat.
Bedding plants can struggle during dry spells, more so if they’ve been recently planted. If you are planting them during warm weather, water them thoroughly at the time of planting and keep a close watch for the first few weeks.
Visit the seasonal section at a garden centre in Nailsworth to find varieties that are well-suited to the current conditions and already acclimatised to the local climate.
Key Takeaway
Worried about the dry spell bringing your garden to ruin? Well, it needs a different kind of attention. Simply put, a little preparation goes a long way, and a healthy, thriving garden in the summer is very much worth it.
At Middle Hill Farm, we offer a wide range of indoor and bedding plants, peat-free compost, farmyard manure, and all kinds of garden accessories. We have everything you need to give your outdoor space the best chance to survive the dry period. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting, we would love to help. Contact now.