I don’t know about your patio, but when the temperature rises, mine can quickly become one of the hottest spots in the garden. Paving radiates heat, my potted plants constantly dry out, and even sitting in it feels a little *too*.
If you are wondering How to keep a garden cool in a heatwaveI have found out what lies the secret People with cool gardens are always during heatwaves. think Shade Garden IdeasA way to encourage leafy plants, gentle trickling water features and some sort of breeze.
The good news is that none of these are Consider a patio A complete garden overhaul is in order, and a few of these simple changes can make your patio feel significantly fresher and more comfortable, even on the hottest summer days.
1. Create as much shade as possible
(Image credit: Future plc/B Homes)
Whenever a heatwave is predicted, building shade is the first thing to do. Not only does it make sitting outside more comfortable, but it also gives nearby pots and plants some much-needed relief from the harsh afternoon sun.
If you are looking for some Consider a budget garden shed or wonder How to shade your garden Without establishing a permanent framework, I’ll start with that the umbrella Or Shade sail. I’m seeing shade sails everywhere this year because they feel more design-led than traditional umbrellas while taking up very little floor space. I really like this IOAOI Waterproof Triangle Shade Sail, £39.99 from AmazonWhich also has UV protection.
According to Lucy Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden IrrigationShade sails are becoming increasingly popular as they are an affordable and space-saving way to protect both people and plants. ‘By anchoring shade sails to walls or posts, you can cover your garden area in an attractive way that effectively provides shade but is easy to remove and store during the colder months of the year,’ she explains.
Tom Douglas, Senior Horticulture Buyer Cherry Lane Garden CentresAlso recommends making the shade as natural as possible. ‘tall plants, Pergolas And shade sails can help block harsh sunlight, making outdoor spaces cooler and more comfortable even on the hottest days,’ he says.
Choose a patio shade
VonHaas
Banana Parasol 3 m
This large canopy is ideal for popping up and creating shade on your patio, and the offset base leaves your dining table, sofa set or rug unobstructed by the central pole.
Outsunny
4 X 3(m) Metal Outdoor Pergola with Retractable Roof
Looking for a pergola with a retractable roof? Look no further. Not only is it an attractive addition to your garden, but it also has a sturdy powder coated frame.
Primrose
6m X 4.2m Triangle Waterproof Sun Shade Canopy
Available in many different colors, these shade sails are a complete bargain and incredibly easy to install. Simply attach to a wall, fence or attach to a steel pole for instant shade.
2. Mulch your pots and borders
(Image credit: Future/Jenny McFarlane)
One of the best things I’ve done lately Add mulch to my containers and flower bedsin particular RocketGro’s MagicMulch, £14.68 from AmazonWhich is great for keeping my plants happy. A level of Green grass helps Locks moisture in the soil, keeps plant roots cool and prevents pots from drying out too quickly.
Tom says mulching is one of the most effective ways to retain moisture in hot weather. Applying bark chips, grass clippings, or compost around the base of the plant can help suppress evaporation, reducing evaporation. weed and regulates soil temperature,’ he explains.
I’ve definitely noticed that my plants need much less watering and stay fresher even during the long hot spells of summer.
Shop for top-rated mulch
RocketGrow
Organic Magic Mulch – 50l – Chemical-free natural garden mulch
Wasteland
Bed and Border Chipped Bark 70lt
strulch
Mineralized Straw Mulch 100l
3. Water plants strategically
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I Avoid watering In the middle of the day because so much moisture evaporates easily in the heat, I give them a good drink in the morning or later in the afternoon.
says Lucy Deep watering It becomes even more important during heatwaves as it encourages plants to develop strong root systems. ‘For the most watering during a heatwave, it’s best to water your plants between 4pm and 5pm before 9am,’ she explains.
Tom also recommends watering when temperatures are low and concentrate moisture at the base of the plant so that the roots get the most benefit.
Potted plant watering requirements
4. Add a water feature
(Image credit: Future plc/ Darren Chung)
A water feature Not just aesthetically pleasing. It can also help the patio feel cooler. The movement and evaporation of water can create a refreshing atmosphere, while the gentle dripping sound instantly makes your patio feel calmer and more relaxing.
Lucy explains that ‘evaporative cooling naturally cools the air around water during heatwaves,’ because evaporating water absorbs heat from the surrounding air. She also points out that the sound of running water can mentally make us feel cooler and more relaxed.
Tom agrees, saying that small fountains and birdbaths can naturally cool the surrounding area, and adds that even a small tabletop shower can help create the illusion of a cooler, more tranquil outdoor space. This Solar fountain, £8.49 from Amazon Can be added to a pretty bowl or watering can for a budget-friendly, effective watering feature.
Patio water features
Thompson and Morgan
Fragrant Patio Pond Kit + Marble Caesar Bowl 46cm
LAWOHO
Solar Powered Fountain Pump 1.5w Free Standing
Garden Mile
Solar water feature fountain
5. Surround yourself with greenery
(Image credit: Future plc/David Giles)
Large leaf plants do more than beautify a patio because a Container garden Can also help cool your space. Through a process called transpiration, plants release moisture into the air, which helps create a slightly cooler microclimate around your seating area.
Tom says that plants act like ‘nature’ Air conditionerBecause the moisture they release helps reduce the ambient temperature. It also suggests using Trees for pots, climbers On the obelisk (This support will add a nice height, £10.99 at Amazon) and tall grass Shade the patio and seating areas.
I would recommend and choose to group large containers around your seating area Drought tolerant plants Like lavender, tall Olive Tree, £39.99 at Thompson & Morgan and like ornamental grasses Miscanthus sinensis ‘Furner Austen’, £19.99 from Crocus, for a Mediterranean style garden.
Plant up this patio favorite
Crocus
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Far East’
Thompson and Morgan
Olive Tree (Standard)
Thompson and Morgan
Summer Grass Trio
Thompson and Morgan
Trachelospermum jasminoides
B&Q
Trachycarpus fortunei Chusan palm with trunk 60-80 cm (shahi pot)
Crocus
Lonicera Periclymenum ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ ®
6. Invest in an outdoor fan
This Shark Flexbreeze Pedestal Fan, £153.68 at Amazon Perfect for outdoor recreation.
(Image credit: SharkNinja)
One of the easiest ways to make a patio more comfortable during a heatwave is with an outdoor fan. A good one keeps the air constantly moving, which still prevents the stuffy feeling that can make sitting outside unbearable, especially on hot days.
Tom says that encouraging airflow is one of the easiest ways to reduce heat build-up in the garden. While he recommends channeling natural breezes where possible, an outdoor fan is an easy way to create cool air movement around a seating area when the weather is particularly still.
Many of the new designs are surprisingly attractive, viz Shark’s Flexbreeze Hydrogo Misting Fan, £129 at Amazon which has a refreshing misting function, is rechargeable and can be easily moved around.
Even a light breeze can make the garden feel noticeably cooler when the air is heavy and still.
Buy these outdoor fans
Shark
Flexbreeze Hydrogo Cordless Fan with Misting
This indoor-outdoor fan is perfect for cooling off in your garden in a heatwave.
MEACO
Sefte 8” Table Air Circulator Fan – White
Morphy Richards
Airflex Portable Oscillating Fan
So, there you have it! Heatwaves don’t mean abandoning your outdoor space entirely. With a little extra shade, smart watering habits, and a gentle breeze from a fan, it’s possible to create a patio that’s comfortable for you, kinder to your plants, and cooler, even on the hottest days.
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