💧 Creative Ways to Keep Your Garden Watered – Even in a Heatwave!
💧 Creative Ways to Keep Your Garden Watered – Even in a Heatwave!
Tips, Tricks & Tools for Happy Plants This Summer
Is your garden gasping for a drink in the heat? Don’t worry — there’s more to watering than just a quick sprinkle with the hose! Whether you’re a green-fingered expert or a total beginner, these clever watering methods will help keep your garden and pots hydrated, healthy, and thriving all summer long 🌞
From DIY bottle hacks to slow-release systems, let’s explore the many ways to keep your plants smiling — even when it hasn’t rained in weeks.
🌿 1. Watering Cans with a Twist
The humble watering can is still a gardener’s best friend! For delicate seedlings or newly planted flowers, try one with a rose attachment — it softens the flow so you don’t wash away soil or damage young roots. Plus, it gives you full control over where the water goes — no soggy pathways!
Curriott Tip: Use rainwater from a water butt to make your watering can even more eco-friendly.
💦 2. Drip Irrigation Magic
Want a low-effort, high-efficiency solution? Drip irrigation systems slowly deliver water straight to the plant’s base — where it matters most. They’re especially handy for vegetable beds and flower borders.
✨ Try this at home: For your pots and containers, use a micro-drip system or a DIY version with pierced tubing or old straws.
🌱 3. Self-Watering Pots (Or Make Your Own!)
Self-watering containers are genius — they store water in a hidden reservoir that plants draw from as needed. No more guessing or overwatering!
🧴 DIY Option: Pop a plastic bottle upside down into the soil with tiny holes in the sides. Instant slow-drip system!
🧶 4. Wicking Systems (Yes, Rope!)
This clever trick uses fabric or rope to ‘wick’ water from a full container into the soil.
How to do it:
Fill a jar or tub with water.
Insert one end of a cotton rope into the water.
Bury the other end near the plant’s roots.
Your plants will drink as they need, no tech required!
🍂 5. Mulch = Moisture Saver
A generous layer of mulch (try bark, compost, or straw) helps keep soil moist by reducing evaporation. It also cools the roots and stops weeds from stealing water.
🛒 Shop mulch-loving seeds like Calendula, Borage, and Zinnias here »
🧼 6. Bottle It Up
Plastic bottles aren’t just for recycling — they’re brilliant for DIY irrigation!
Punch a few holes in the sides.
Bury it next to your plants.
Fill with water — and let it drip slowly over time
This is perfect for tomatoes, beans, or thirsty sunflowers 🌻
🫙 7. Recycle Greywater
Get even more eco by reusing water from washing up bowls, rinsed veg water, or cooled cooking water. Just skip anything greasy or soapy.
Install a water butt to catch summer showers too — plants love rainwater more than tap!
🌞 Heatwave Watering Tips
When it’s blazing hot, your watering habits need to shift a little.
🕕 Water Early or Late
Before 10am or after 6pm is best
Avoid the midday sun — most of the water will just evaporate!
Morning is ideal as leaves dry faster, reducing the risk of mildew
🌊 Water Deeply, Not Often
A slow soak at the roots is better than a light sprinkle
Use soaker hoses or drip systems to help
Encourage deep root growth so plants become more resilient
🌼 Prioritise What Matters
Focus on new seedlings and potted plants
Terracotta pots keep moisture longer than plastic
Check for signs of heat stress like curling leaves — and act fast!
🧺 Final Tips from the Potting Bench
✔️ Use water-retaining granules when sowing or potting up
✔️ Group pots together to create shade and slow down drying
✔️ Add a water timer to automate your watering schedule — a lifesaver during holidays!
📸 Share Your Watering Hacks!
Got a quirky watering setup using jam jars, old boots or teapots? We’d love to see! Tag us @curriotthillnursery and let’s inspire more gardeners to get clever with their watering 💧🌱
🌼 Shop Drought-Tolerant Favourites:
Calendula Art Shades »Echinacea (Coneflower)
Stay cool, water smart, and keep your garden blooming! 🌸
Love from all of us at
Curriott Hill Nursery
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