This week’s unprecedented heat has taken a toll on our gardens, leaving plants wilted, lawns browning and trees dropping their leaves months earlier than usual. There is almost certainly worse to come, as global heating makes 40C summers routine. So how can we bounce back from this challenge, and prepare for those ahead?
The first job is to survey the damage, and triage plants to identify those needing immediate help. Begin by launching rescue missions for anything in containers, window boxes and growbags: look for signs of drought stress such as wilted and curled leaves, as well as falling flower buds and dropped foliage. Stick smaller pots into a bucket of water, let them soak for an hour or two then remove and drain thoroughly – the aim is to completely rewet the rootball, and then make sure air can still reach the roots. Keep them in a shady spot to give them a chance to recover: even plants that look terminally crispy can often revive and re-sprout with this treatment. Larger pots should be heavily watered, then allowed to drain – one deep watering is better than daily sprinkles.
