Gardeners should water plants at key times so they thrive during the summer heat

While the UK heatwave may have subsided, warm temperatures appear set to linger for some time yet. Heat and sunshine can prove beneficial for plants, though excessive amounts can result in damaged, parched or even lifeless vegetation.

To ensure garden plants and flowers remain properly hydrated throughout the summer heat, gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish recently revealed his secret to keeping them thriving. It all boils down to the time of day you choose to water them. Keeping your plants thoroughly watered is absolutely essential to their survival.

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To help safeguard your beloved plants and blooms from the relentless hot weather, Ish recommended watering at two specific points during the day to guarantee they remain sufficiently hydrated.

In a recent video, he said: "Now, what I always tell people is water them in the mornings or evening, it's completely up to you."

Watering plants at particular times of day is crucial in preventing moisture from evaporating too quickly. He suggested watering early in the morning between 7am and 9am or in the evening from 9pm onwards, reports The Mirror.

These periods typically coincide with cooler ground and air temperatures, significantly reducing the likelihood of water evaporating and ensuring your garden remains beautifully hydrated. The very same principle applies when tending to garden lawns.

Ensuring your plants remain adequately watered is absolutely essential, according to Ish. While it may seem counterproductive to water plants during the hottest part of the day, Ish advised that if any of your plants are appearing distressed, you shouldn't hesitate to give them a much-needed drink.

He said: "But if you do see that one of your plants is struggling throughout the day, then you can water it.

"It's a common myth that it's going to burn them, it's not a giant magnifying glass with the water droplets, so don't worry. And if you want to give it a really good drink, apply it directly to the soil anyway, and as a result, they'll absolutely thrive."

Where possible, Ish recommended relocating potted plants to a shaded spot, which assists the soil in retaining its moisture levels effectively.

Placing light-coloured gravel across the surface of the soil is another useful trick, as it helps deflect sunlight and prevents the soil from overheating and drying out. Ish further suggested installing a shade screen throughout the garden to keep plants sheltered.

These can be sourced from a DIY store, garden centre or online retailer, or alternatively, a fitted white sheet makes an excellent budget-conscious option to provide sufficient shade for your plants. The screen works by deflecting sunlight and maintaining cooler temperatures beneath it.

He said: "That way then, I can keep them well-watered in one space; group them close together so if it does get any sunshine, it's not getting directly to the soil which isn't drying out and, as a result, will survive throughout the heatwave.

"I can pop them back, and we're all good. And for those plants that are fixed into the ground, a good morning water, and they'll be fine."