Stop plants from dying in heatwave by watering at right time of the day

As the hot weather continues to thrive over the coming days, you'll need to keep an extra eye on your garden. While many plants love the sun, you'll need to make sure they're properly hydrated so they don't dry out and die.

Garden designer and TikTok creator Ish, who goes by Gardening with Ish, shared some helpful tips for making sure you don't "lose your plants" during a heatwave. This includes choosing the correct time of day to water them. The Met Office published an announcement over the weekend that parts of the southern UK will be expected to experience a heatwave over the coming days.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lenhert said: "Tuesday will be another hot day, though the highest temperatures will be more confined to the south east of England where 35°C is possible. Fresher air will move in from the west through the middle of the week, bringing an end to this heatwave.

"It won't be hot everywhere, with a marked difference in northwestern parts of the UK."

How to protect plants during a heatwave

So to help you protect your precious plants and blooms from the onslaught of hot weather, Ish advised watering your plants at two particular times during the day to make sure they stay properly hydrated.

Ish wrote in the caption: "Don't lose your plants to extreme hot weather this year - keep them protected with my easy plant tips. Today's gardening tips for beginner gardeners will show you how to water, shelter and what not to cut during a heatwave."

You should always make sure your plants are well watered, according to Ish. However there's no use watering them in the peak heat of the day.

Instead, you should water your plants early in the morning or after the sun goes down.

Ish said: "Do this in the morning or in the evening when the full sun is not out, and as a result, the water will seep down into the soil and actually keep it hydrated.

"Whereas if you do it in the middle of the day, chances are the sun's gonna get it, it's going to evaporate, it won't actually keep them watered."

If it's possible, Ish recommended moving potted plants into the shade. It will help the plant's soil retain its moisture.

You can also place light coloured gravel over the top of the soil, which helps reflect the sun's light, preventing the soil from getting too hot and evaporating.