How to Keep Your Garden Thriving This Summer

June 16, 2025

3 minute read

With summer just around the corner, hot days do not mean your hose or sprinklers need to be out every day. With a few small tweaks, you can keep your garden healthy without overspending on your water bill.

1. Timing Makes a Difference

It is best to water your plants early in the morning when it's cooler, to reduce evaporation and ensure your plants will have time to absorb what they need before the heat kicks in. Another suitable time would be the early evening. Just make sure the air is not too damp or cold. Wetting leaves late in the day, especially when nights are cold, can lead to fungal problems so it is best to avoid in those circumstances.

Pro tip: Always make sure to aim the water at the base of the plant as that is where watering makes a big difference.

2. Give the Roots What They Need

A proper soak a couple of times a week is actually better that a quick sprinkle every evening. Shallow watering keeps the roots near the surface; this is where the soil dries out faster. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow into the cooler layers, which helps plants handle dry spells better.

Pro tip: If the top layer of soil looks dry but it still feels damp underneath, hold off. Just because the surface is dry, does not mean there is need to water.

3. Use Mulch to Your Advantage

The smell of mulch may not always be very pleasant in the garden but it is a fantastic way of keeping moisture in the soil and reducing how often you need to water. Mulch is also a great way to keep roots cooler and discourages weeds. Other alternatives to mulch include bark, compost, grass clippings, or even shredded leaves, but make sure not to pile it too high around the stems. Soil with plenty organic matter holds moisture for longer. If your garden bed dries out quickly or goes hard on the surface, dig in compost or well-rotted manure.

4. Match Plants to the Right Conditions

Plants that thrive in the full sun will struggle in the shade and vice versa. When planning or refreshing your garden, make sure to make attention to how the sunlight shifts through the garden. That way, you can group plants with similar needs in places where they'll grow naturally, without needing extra watering.

If you're unsure how much sunlight or warmth a spot in the garden receives, a simple Sun and Shade Soil Thermometer can take the guesswork out of it. This thermometer bundle is easy to use and great to have on hand year-round.

5. Reuse Household Water

Recycled water, also known as 'grey' water, can be useful in times of water shortages. Water from a dehumidifier, cooled water from a kettle, a washing-up bowl, or even the dog's bowl at the end of the day can all be reused. If the water contains soap or detergent, stick to natural, non-toxic brands and keep away from anything edible such as a vegetable garden. The RHS has helpful guidance on using grey water safely, especially if you're trying to reduce waste in a larger garden. According to the RHS, the soil filters out contaminants from soap and detergents and may act as a mild fertiliser.

6. Collect the Rain

A water butt is one of the easiest ways to reduce mains water use. It does not take much rain to fill it, even in the summer. If you want a better idea of how much water your garden is getting naturally, a Rain Gauge gives you the measurements you need. It is a great way to avoid over or underwatering after a recent rainfall.

This summer, save yourself time and stress. No need to overthink it. Water at the right time, aim where it matters, reuse what you can, and keep the soil in good shape. The plants will do the rest. The key is to water wisely, not wastefully.