Date Published 24 August 2022
We've had an absolute scorcher of a summer, with the UK seeing it's hottest temperatures since records began. July was the driest month we've had on record, at one point we saw temperatures reaching a whopping 40°C towards the end of the month. The extreme temperatures and lack of rain has left us with a major drought issue and we're now facing a potentially lengthy hosepipe ban which will affect millions across the UK.
Many will now be worrying how they'll be able to maintain their gardens which are no doubt looking in a sorry, yellow state! Here are some tips on how you can get by without needing to use a hose and help our water supplies replenish:
• Save your water - Reuse the water you're using at home (if you haven't got a water butt, save up your bath & washing up water, provided none of it contains bleach, and decant it into buckets and watering cans.
• Sunrise & sunset - Using buckets and watering cans, water your plants in the mornings and evenings, not during the day. Watering during the day will cause the water to evaporate quicker, meaning you'll need to use more water in the long run!
• Slow & steady - Using a watering can, soak plants deeply and thoroughly until you get overly saturated soil. Watering too quickly will cause the water to run off. Make sure you aim for the roots, not the leaves themselves.
