There is much we gardeners can do to prevent plant damage caused by drought. Watch your plants; the most susceptible plants will be those that are newly planted but especially trees and shrubs. If they start to wilt then water them. Here are our top tips for dealing with droughts:

Soil Matters

The best way of pre-empting a dry summer is to work in as much organic material as possible into your soil. Your soil needs to be healthy and rich to support your plants through difficult times. Incorporate good quality organic matter such as Farmyard Manure and Soil Conditioner to add vital bulk and water retaining properties. This will hold moisture in the soil, improve aeration and enhance drainage. It will also slowly release nutrients to the plants. A healthy soil is alive with micro-organisms and soil creatures that are essential to good plant growth.

Give Your Plants The Best Chance

Prepare your plants for every eventuality. If they have been properly planted and the soil is in good heart then they will be able to quickly establish a good root system to source water. Buy and plant new plants in the autumn if possible, so they can put down a good root system before warmer weather begins.

Remove Weeds

Remove all weeds from the garden but especially in spring: They compete with your plants for water. Use Resolva for persistent perennial weeds, it contains glyphosate that will reach down to the roots of your plants.

Water The Roots

It is better to water once a week really thoroughly than superficially daily. When you’ve watered dig down into the soil to see how far the water has soaked in. You might be surprised how shallow the wet layer is. Continually wetting the top of the soil encourages the roots to grow at the surface and they are then much more prone to damage from scorching sun and winter frost.

Mulch

Mulch to reduce water loss from the soil. It’s vital you apply the mulch in the winter or early spring when the soil is saturated. A mulch will control annual weeds and reduces the need for hoeing.

Lawn Care

If the weather is dry, grass growth will slow, so allow the lawn to rest and if you must cut it simply trim off the top third of growth. During spells of summer drought established lawns may actually turn brown and look dead. Unless your lawn has been recently re-sown from seed or re-turfed, it is very unlikely to be killed by drought and will quickly recover when rain falls. Watering the lawn may create instant visual results but is often unnecessary and can create problems. Unless you can be sure to thoroughly soak a dry lawn it is actually better not to water it at all. A well-prepared lawn that has been properly fed and treated during the spring is better able to withstand and recover from drought. Feed with Westland Aftercut in spring to encourage them to grow new deep roots while there is water available to support this growth.