As anyone who has spent a summer tending to a container display will know, potted plants are often the first casualties when a heatwave hits. Unlike plants growing in borders, they have a limited amount of soil around their roots, meaning they dry out very quickly and their roots can quickly overheat. I’ve certainly noticed that in my own garden anyway.
If you are wondering How to maintain your garden Or Patio cool in a heatwaveyour protection Container garden There are probably more on your list, especially if you’re dealing with wilted foliage, charred leaf edges, and wilted blooms. So I asked the experts How to recognize signs that your plants are suffering from heat stress And the tactics they have in place to prevent them from getting to that point.
From creating shade to mulching and keeping roots cool, these are expert-approved tips to help your container withstand rising temperatures and keep your garden looking its best during the summer.
‘Heat waves can be hard on potted plants because they dry out much faster than anything planted in the ground,’ says luxury garden design expert Joe McGarry. Caragh Nursery.
1. Move the pots out of the strongest sun
(Image credit: Future plc/B Homes)
One of the first things I do when a heatwave is predicted is move a small container to a more sheltered location. Even moving them a few meters can reduce the amount of intense afternoon sunlight they receive.
Lucy Bradley, gardening expert Easy Garden IrrigationRecommend relocating the pots to a north or east facing wall or placing them under trees or large shrubs where they will benefit from natural shade.
If agreed that reducing exposure during the hottest part of the day can have a dramatic effect.
‘If the delicate plants are starting to look a little faded, creating a bit of temporary shade can make a big difference,’ explains Joe. ‘A small canopy, like a shade sail The IOAOI Garden Shed ships from AmazonOr simply moving the pots to a place that gets a break from the afternoon sun can help take the edge off during the hottest hours.’
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2. Mulch to lock in moisture to your pots
(Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)
Of all the ways to protect potted plants in a heatwave, Adding mulch Probably one of the easiest. I use RocketGro Magic Mulchwhich you can choose £14.68 from AmazonRecently in my own pots, and I have noticed that the compost stays moist significantly longer between waterings.
Joe is also a strong advocate of mulching containers during hot weather.
‘The easiest way to help is to add a layer of mulch on top of the compost,’ says Joe. ‘Bark, gravel or even leftover compost will help retain moisture longer and prevent the soil from drying out in the sun.’
Lucy recommends applying a generous 5-7 cm layer The type of mulch of your choicesuch as Coco Coir like Coco & Coir from AmazonMini bark chippings or mineralized straw mulch to shade the soil and slow evaporation.
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3. Water the plant deeply and at the right time
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When it comes Watering plants in hot weatherTiming is just as important as quantity. Instead of giving the container frequent soft drinks, I try Water well first thing in the morning Before the temperature rises.
‘The first thing to do is give the plant a really deep drink in the morning or later in the eveningInstead of a quick splash during the hottest part of the day,’ says Jo.
Deep watering encourages roots to grow lower into the compost where moisture is available longer.
Potted plant watering requirements
4. Group the pots together
(Image credit: Future plc / Blackmore Photography Ltd)
I’ve always grouped containers, not just because I think it looks good, but because it makes watering easier, but it turns out that it can also help protect plants during heatwaves.
According to Lucy, clustering pots create a microclimate, with larger plants shading smaller plants while moisture released from the foliage helps increase humidity around the display.
Grouping containers can also reduce moisture loss, Joe says. ‘Grouping pots together can help create a slightly cooler, more sheltered environment and reduce moisture loss,’ she explains.
5. Protect pots and roots from overheating
(Image credit: Future plc/Darren Chung)
A tip I hadn’t considered until the experts mentioned how hot the actual container can get. Dark-colored pots, metal planters and unsealed terracotta can absorb large amounts of heat during a heatwave, Joe explains.
‘Moving them to a cooler location or protecting the sides of the container can help prevent the roots from overheating,’ she adds.
Lucy recommends wrapping containers with hessian, reflective material Plant reflective film from the Amazon Or place small pots inside a large, light-colored planter to provide a little extra insulation.
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6. Lift the pots using pot feet
Using wine corks as pot feet is a budget-friendly way to improve drainage and cool roots.
(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazani)
Pot feet Seems like a small addition, but they can make a surprising difference during hot weather.
Lucy explains that elevating the container improves airflow under the pot, helping to keep the roots cool while also improving drainage after watering.
You don’t even need specialist pot feet. Bricks, stones, wine corks or bottle caps can all work for small containers.
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7. Use watering spikes for extra support
(Image credit: Future / Lisa Fazani)
If you are concerned about your containers drying out while you are at work or Away for a few days, Watering spikes Well worth considering.
‘Watering spikes are another handy solution during hot spells, especially for anyone spending long days away from home or going away for a few days,’ says Joe. ‘They leave Water slowly And continuously, helps the compost stay moist for longer.’
Lucy recommends terracotta irrigation spikes, such as This is from AmazonOr watering cones that slowly deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation.
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So, there you have it! Heatwaves are always a challenge for container flies, but a few preventative measures can make a big difference.
As Joe says: ‘The key is to keep potted plants on during very hot weather. Conditions can change surprisingly quickly in a container, but a few simple adjustments can go a long way to keeping plants healthy until temperatures return to normal.’
Stay cool!
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