Are u making some plants more of a priority

[Paranoidandroidmarvin]

As with the rest of the country we are in a drought. I have been trying to keep my plants alive as it is a new garden planted this year ( still really have no idea what I’m doing really ).

But I think I have come to the conclusion that I cannot keep them all alive in this heat as I’m using so much water. Even with water I’m using from washing up etc.

Even the plants that are supposed to be full sun are struggling with the crispy leaves.

Is anyone else doing this? I think my bedding plants will just have to die. Ugh. I hate saying that. Am I wrong? What r u doing.

Yes it's sad but, I can't justify watering them at the moment. If, we have any spare water I use it. Some of my plants will survive sadly, some won't.

Even things that say 'full sun' on the label need to get an established root system before they can look after themselves.

Forget the annuals, and concentrate on watering the perennials and shrubs, particularly any that were £££. If you can prune things back by half, then do that, as by reducing the leaf canopy you will also be reducing the evaporation area and thus the water requirement will be reduced.

It is better to give a thorough soak every 2-3 days so that it really sinks into the soil, rather than a little bit daily, which will evaporate in no time.

Move anything in pots into the shade, and stand them in trays of water to keep the humidity up.

I still water indoors and outdoors daily. I don't feel like watering plants is a waste of water, especially outdoor plants for insects etc. Much better use of water than filling a paddling pool or washing you car.

Though it's a good idea to use leftover water from a butt or washing up, so will be doing that.

Yes I am, tree ferns and acers in pots are mine, with boarder perennials and shrubs next in line. Annuals have already frazzled away.

I'm watering anything in a pot and anything planted in the last 6 months. Which is obviously tricky if everything is new.

We keep all the used water in the house from washing up etc.. for watering the plants and between that and the water butt its been okay so far, things are very dry but about hanging on.

However our water butt is almost empty, so will have to use the garden tap soon I suspect.

I think your main difficulty Paranoid (which obviously can't be helped) is that your garden is newly planted. I've been in my new build for about nine years and in past summers I've neglected (and lost) hollyhocks and delphiniums.

However, lavender, houseleeks and elephant's ears have just about survived. I think the best thing is to water your favourites and those which you know to be particularly vulnerable during the evenings and hope for the best.

It has to be said that when we last 'suffered' a wet wash-out of a summer the gardens looked great. Don't despair OP, many plants will set seed and come back so all is not lost.

Prioritising roses, herb pots and citrus tree with any extra on perennials planted this year. We're quite lucky, NE England, we've had some spells of heavy rain over the last few weeks so the water butts are all full and the well established plants and shrubs have been fine.

Mulch, bark chips, anything that'll slow down evaporation.

Yes, like others I'm prioritising my favourites - my beloved roses are getting the most tlc. The hydrangeas that were the legacy of the previous owners are last on the list, and they are looking very sorry for themselves...

I’ve left everything apart from my roses. And I’ve been frugal with them too - I watered them tonight, first time in around 4 weeks. They've had less blooms, but they’re doing ok.

I also agree, prioritise perennials. I am
prioritising roses, newly planted hydrangeas and a newly planted young tree.

We have a bathroom downstairs and are bucketing out water through the window… I can’t wait for it to rain.

Stuff in pots, anything particularly water-hungry and anything less than two years since planting should be a priority as itmd be more vulnerable. Also mulch to help conserve the water you apply - Strulch is brilliant stuff. It also depends on growing seasons - anything going into dormancy you can neglect a little more obviously, whereas things that usually grow or flower at this time of year need water.

Be careful using dishwater - as a short-term measure this is ok but prolongued use for more than a few weeks will poison your soil.

it'll, prolonged... so late. 🙈🙄🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

Very tricjy when you have lots of young plants without well-developed root systems though OP. I feel for you.

Tricky! 🙈 I'm out!!

If you can prune things back by half, then do that, as by reducing the leaf canopy you will also be reducing the evaporation area and thus the water requirement will be reduced.

Can't it do a lot of damage to certain plants to be pruned if it's not the right time of year for it?

Also agree with the PP who said a good soaking every 3 days is much more beneficial for most plants than a splash of water every day.

This.

Interesting and helpful article:

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-to-protect-your-garden-in-a-heatwave-5drqk8rwd