Technological innovation offers a solution to safeguard your garden during the heatwave of summer, and we'll explain the methods.
In the face of prolonged heatwaves and potential water shortages, it's crucial to adapt our gardening practices to ensure the health and survival of our plants. Here are some effective strategies that can help you maintain a thriving garden while conserving water.
Smart irrigation systems, such as the HydroSure Smart Bluetooth Garden Watering Timer and the RainPoint 2-Zone WiFi Water Timer, are designed to automate watering based on schedules. These systems can be combined with smart timers and drip irrigation systems, like Gardena's Micro Drop system, to ensure the right amount of water is used, regardless of whether you're home or away.
During heatwaves, it's essential to water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. Applying water slowly and moderately helps avoid puddling and root rot. Drip irrigation is highly efficient for targeting water directly to root zones with minimal waste.
Checking soil moisture daily is crucial to prevent overwatering and root damage. A 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch significantly reduces evaporation, keeps soil cooler, and retains moisture around roots for longer periods. Watering at the drip line, for trees and shrubs, helps moisture soak in where it is most needed.
Avoiding overhead watering during the heat of the day can reduce the risk of fungal diseases and water loss to evaporation. Shading plants with cloth, umbrellas, or companion planting (such as sunflowers) can also help reduce heat stress and water needs.
Smart weather stations, like the Acurite Iris and the Bresser Smart Garden Smart Home Irrigation System, provide hyper-local forecasts, helping you make the right decisions for your individual garden. The RainPoint Smart Soil Moisture Meter and the Gardena Smart Sensor Control Set water the garden only when moisture levels fall below a certain threshold.
The government suggests that without the expensive and locally-destructive creation of new reservoirs, the UK could face severe water shortages. In such situations, it's important to remember that watering wisely can make a significant difference.
Hydrangea, acer, fuchsia, and roses are particularly at risk during heatwaves. To protect these plants, it's advisable to water them deeply to encourage roots to grow downward where soil remains cooler and moister. It's also beneficial to avoid watering during peak sunlight and heat to prevent more water evaporation.
By implementing these strategies, we can optimize water use efficiency, protect plants from heat damage, and encourage robust root development during dry and hot periods. Overwatering or watering at the wrong time can cause more harm than good, so daily observation and adapting watering schedules accordingly is important.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). Watering Strategies for Hot Weather. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/water/watering-strategies-for-hot-weather.htm
[2] The Spruce. (2021). Watering Plants During a Heatwave. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/watering-plants-during-a-heatwave-1807645
[3] RHS. (2021). Watering Your Plants. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=493
[4] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). Mulching. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/content/mulching-0
- As we strive to conserve water during heatwaves, integrating smart home devices such as the HydroSure Smart Bluetooth Garden Watering Timer or the RainPoint 2-Zone WiFi Water Timer into our home-and-garden routines can help automate watering and conserve resources, adjusting schedules based on local weather and soil moisture.
- To Safeguard our beloved roses, hydrangea, acer, and fuchsia plants during heatwaves, implementing effective strategies, like watering them deeply to promote downward root growth and avoiding peak sunlight hours during watering, can help minimize damage and maintain their overall health.
- Technology plays a crucial role in optimizing water use efficiency during hot and dry periods, with smart gadgets like weather stations (such as the Acurite Iris and the Bresser Smart Garden), and smart soil moisture meters (like the RainPoint Smart Soil Moisture Meter) ensuring the efficient watering of our plants, only when necessary, and reducing the risk of overwatering.
