How to Water Your Garden During Hot Weather (and Why It’s So Important)

Summer sunshine is lovely—until your hydrangeas start looking like they’ve had a rough night out. When the heat hits, our gardens suffer, especially without proper watering. But don’t panic—this guide will help you keep your plants perky and prevent your prized petunias from going crispy.

Why Watering Matters More in Hot Weather

Let’s start with the “why.” Plants, like us, lose moisture faster in the heat. Their leaves transpire (a fancy word for “sweat”), and the soil dries out quicker than your washing on a breezy line. If they don’t get enough water, plants wilt, stop growing, and become vulnerable to pests and diseases. Some may even drop their leaves or flowers early, robbing your garden of its summer show.

The Golden Rules for Watering in Hot Weather

Here’s how to water smart—not just more.

1. Water Early or Late (Not Midday)

Always aim to water your garden in the early morning or late evening. Why? Because watering during the heat of the day causes quick evaporation, meaning the roots miss out—and that’s where water is needed most. Morning is especially good, as plants can soak up moisture before the heat peaks.

2. Soak Deeply, Not Frequently

Shallow, light watering just moistens the surface, and that encourages shallow roots. Instead, give plants a deep drink every few days. This trains roots to grow downwards, where the soil stays cooler and damper.

💡 Top Tip: Stick your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off.

3. Water the Soil, Not the Leaves

Direct your watering can or hose at the base of the plant. Wetting the leaves can cause sun scorch (yep, plants can get burnt too) and encourages fungal diseases. Keep it low and slow.

4. Mulch Like You Mean It

A thick layer of mulch (think bark chips, compost, or straw) keeps moisture in the soil and blocks weeds from competing for water. It's like giving your soil a sun hat. Just don’t pile it up against the stems—leave a little breathing space.

HOZELOCK - Sprinkler Rotating Plus 254 m²: Spray Sprinkler on Sled for Medium-sized Surfaces

Garden Mulch

HOZELOCK - Auto Reel Wall-mounted 40m: Easy to Install, Child-lock, Auto-rewind, Ready-to-use with N

HOZELOCK - Multi-Jet Spray Gun

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases

5. Container Plants Need Extra TLC

Pots dry out quickly, especially terracotta ones. During hot spells, you may need to water containers once or even twice a day. Move pots to shadier spots if possible, and consider using water-retaining gel crystals in your compost mix.

6. Harvest Rainwater in Advance

Set up a water butt if you haven’t already. Not only is it eco-friendly and cost-effective, but rainwater is softer than tap water and much kinder to most plants. And let’s be honest—there’s something very British about using saved-up rainwater during a drought.

Don’t Forget Your Lawn and Wildlife

Grass can bounce back from brown patches, so you don’t need to water it daily—just a good soak once a week if it’s looking sorry for itself. But don’t forget our feathered and furry friends! Leave shallow dishes of water out for birds, bees, and hedgehogs. A pebble-filled saucer makes a great mini oasis.

Final Thoughts

A little planning goes a long way in the garden when the mercury rises. With smart watering habits, you can keep your garden blooming beautifully—even in the height of a Yorkshire heatwave (however rare that may be!). Stay cool, stay hydrated, and give your plants the same courtesy.