Expert gives tips to keep plants alive in heatwave

Heatwaves can be tough in the UK for gardens and plants.

The third heatwave of the summer is set to grip the UK this weekend and some gardeners may be starting to think about how best to keep their plants alive.

Heather Taylor, aka "the plant doctor", from Hudsons Plant Centre in Duffield, Derbyshire, has shared her best tips to stop your plants wilting or drying up over the next few days.

"Water, water, water," said Ms Taylor.

It may seem a simple suggestion, but Ms Taylor said it's the most important advice she can give.

"Make sure you don't water during the middle of the day, which is usually when heat is at its height," she said.

The 57-year-old said to either water your plants first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

Ms Taylor also said the technique of watering can be the difference between life and death for your plant.

"That's one of the first things we tell staff here, you water the soil and not the leaves as the roots need it most," said Ms Taylor.

Roots should grow down, not up, but if watered in sunlight, the roots will travel upwards in search of the evaporating water.

Ms Taylor said mulch, either stones or well-rotted compost, can also help keep moisture within the soil.

"Well-rotted compost or farmyard manure will feed the ground and really help when it eventually rains," she said.

Hosepipe bans were introduced in some areas of Derbyshire on Friday.

For households with or without a hosepipe ban, Ms Taylor's next piece of advice is to water your plants with as much recycled water as you can.

She said: "If you are having a bath or you are washing up the dishes, keep that water and let it cool before you use it on your plants.

"Water butts are also useful.

"They can be attached to the house, downpipe, sheds, greenhouses or anything like that."

"Don't worry about your grass," added Ms Taylor.

"If your grass is dry and parched, a bit of rain and it will be the first thing that will bounce back, don't worry about it, it will be fine."

Knowing your plants is important, and a quick internet search can help you understand their needs and preferences.

Do you know if your plants like direct sunlight or prefer shade? Do they like humid or dry conditions?

Ms Taylor explained: "Right plant, right place, don't put a shade-loving plant in full sun."

For example, tropical plants such as rubber plants, kentia, ficus and some ferns, prefer humidity.

However, Mediterranean plants, such as thyme and lavender and other herbs, prefer dry air.

"If you have plants in pots, place saucers underneath them, fill it with water and hope for the best," said Ms Taylor.

She also recommended moving your potted plants to more shaded areas before you go.

If you have lots of plants in the ground, then Ms Taylor said make sure you "give them a big water before you go away or even ask your neighbours to give them a water for you.

She added: "Gardening is a great thing for community and meeting people, so I encourage you to knock on your neighbour's door and see if they can help you out."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.