Keeping Your Garden Healthy During the Current Hot & Dry Weather

With East Sussex experiencing one of the hottest and driest spells in recent years, gardens are beginning to show signs of stress. Lawns are turning brown, flowers are wilting, and shrubs and newly planted trees are struggling to cope with the lack of rainfall.

While we can’t control the weather, there are several simple steps you can take to help your garden survive until the rain returns.

Water Smarter, Not More

If you’re watering your garden, the best time is either early in the morning or later in the evening. Watering during the heat of the day means much of the moisture simply evaporates before reaching the roots.

Rather than giving plants a quick sprinkle every day, it’s better to water deeply once or twice a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making plants more resilient during dry spells.

Don’t Panic if Your Lawn Turns Brown

Many people worry when their lawn loses its green colour, but healthy lawns are surprisingly resilient. Grass naturally goes dormant during prolonged hot weather and will often recover once regular rainfall returns.

Avoid cutting your lawn too short. Keeping the grass slightly longer helps shade the soil, reducing moisture loss and protecting the roots.

Mulch Around Plants

Adding a layer of bark, compost or well-rotted organic matter around your flower beds and shrubs helps retain moisture, keeps the soil cooler and reduces weed growth.

A 5-8cm layer of mulch can make a noticeable difference during extended periods of dry weather.

Prioritise Newly Planted Trees & Shrubs

Established plants usually cope better with dry conditions, but anything planted within the last year will need extra attention.

Water deeply around the base of new trees, hedges and shrubs rather than wetting the leaves. This ensures moisture reaches the root system where it’s needed most.

Delay Fertilising

Avoid applying lawn feeds or plant fertilisers during extremely hot weather unless you can water thoroughly afterwards. Fertilisers can place additional stress on plants when moisture is limited.

Keep Weeds Under Control

Weeds compete with your plants for precious water and nutrients. Regular weeding helps ensure that the available moisture goes where it’s needed most.

Patio Plants Need Extra Care

Plants growing in pots and containers dry out much faster than those planted in the ground. Check them daily during hot spells and ensure excess water can drain freely to prevent root damage.

Garden Maintenance During Summer

Even during dry weather there’s still plenty to keep your garden looking its best:

● Hedge trimming

● Shrub pruning

● Weed control

● Fence and gate repairs

● Patio and driveway cleaning (where water restrictions allow)

● General garden tidying and maintenance

We’re Here to Help

At CG Garden Services, we understand how challenging prolonged hot weather can be for your garden. Whether you need regular maintenance, hedge trimming, expert advice or help restoring your garden after the dry spell, we’re here to help homeowners across Eastbourne, Polegate, Hailsham, Stone Cross, Pevensey and the surrounding East Sussex area.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Telephone: 01323 364775 or 07832 139653

A little care now can make a big difference, helping your garden recover quickly once cooler temperatures and much-needed rain finally arrive.

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