Summer's water shortage looms as gardening expert issues caution on the unspoken drought
In the heart of the summer, a gardener, designer, and plant enthusiast named Orpheus Alexander is raising awareness about a silent drought that is affecting gardens across the country.
The 'silent drought' is a phenomenon where gardens are not getting the water they need, despite occasional rain, making it less visible. This lack of rainfall has led to hosepipe bans across the country and has resulted in hardy plants and trees suffering.
Orpheus shares practical gardening tips and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his projects on Instagram, @our website. He advises watering outdoor plants deeply, about 1 inch per week for vegetables, increasing to 2 inches in dry soils, adding roughly ½ inch more water per week for every 10°F above 60°F average temperature. To maximise absorption and reduce evaporation stress, watering should be done early in the morning or late afternoon.
Deep, less frequent watering is more effective than light, daily watering, which can leave roots undernourished and plants vulnerable. To avoid the effects of a silent drought—when plants show distress despite recent rains because roots have dried out—it's important to water directly at the root zone rather than overhead and continue watering even after heavy rain if plants appear stressed. Mulching around plants also helps retain soil moisture and reduce water loss.
One follower based on the Somerset/Devon borders writes that they have lost a shrub and a beautiful rambler due to the silent drought. South East Wales and Surrey are also experiencing the effects, with gardeners reporting loss of plants and trees. Even acers, which are usually thick with leaves during this time of year, are almost leafless in some areas.
Brown leaves, wilting branches, and dying plants are signs of the silent drought. Orpheus recommends a liquid seaweed feed as a good all-rounder for plant and tree nutrition. During a hosepipe ban, there are several ways to water a garden to ensure dehydrated plants get the moisture they need.
As high temperatures cause sunburnt plants and topsoil drying out, Orpheus encourages his followers to take a close look at the plants and trees in their garden to ensure they don't fall victim to the silent drought. He stresses the importance of administering water directly to the roots during hot weather to avoid a common watering mistake.
[1] Watering Guide for Hot Weather [2] Gardening Tips for a Hosepipe Ban [3] Drip Irrigation for Efficient Watering [4] Silent Drought: What Gardeners Need to Know [5] Watering During a Heatwave
- In the heart of summer, when temperatures soar and gardens are at risk, follow Orpheus Alexander's watering guide for hot weather: early morning or late afternoon watering, deep and less frequent, direct to the root zone, and avoiding overwatering to protect against the silent drought.
- With hosepipe bans spreading across the country, discover Gardening Tips for a Hosepipe Ban provided by Orpheus, including creative ways to water your garden efficiently using everything from watering cans to drip irrigation systems.
- To enhance water efficiency and reduce water loss from your garden during hot weather, consider implementing drip irrigation for a more controlled, effective, and environmentally-friendly watering solution.
- Want to stay informed about the silent drought affecting gardens across the nation? Learn about the phenomena, its effects on plants and trees, signs to identify it, and how to combat it in Silent Drought: What Gardeners Need to Know—Orpheus's comprehensive guide for home-and-garden enthusiasts.
- As temperatures rise and topsoil dries out in a heatwave, ensure your green spaces remain healthy by following Watering During a Heatwave guidelines, including deep and infrequent watering, mulching, and employing Orpheus's gardening strategies to maintain wellness, health, and beauty in your home-and-garden lifestyle.
