My Climate Change Garden

No-one knows for sure what the weather will be like this summer but the second half of June is predicted to be very warm and settled which is welcome news.http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/twoforecasts/30%20day%20UK%20weather%20forecast.aspx

It is beautiful weather today and the plants are soaking up the wonderful sunshine and brilliant blue skies.

Whatever this summer might throw at us, here are my CLIMATE CHANGE gardening tips to help survive any high temperatures:

Choose drought tolerant plants such as agave, cannas, lavender, sedums, budlia, cystus, agapanthas and many more – visit  http://www.myclimatechangegarden.com/blog/plant-collection

Letting your plants have a good soak every couple of days will be of more benefit than little and often watering as this does not encourage the plants to form strong roots to go down and search for water.

Install a water butt and water diverter to collect rain water from your roof, and remember to fit water butts to any sheds or greenhouses as well.

Mix water retaining gel into compost for free-standing pots and avoid containers that need regular watering such as hanging baskets.

Apply a mulch to moist ground to conserve water during autumn and spring to a depth of 3 to 4 inches ( chipped bark, mushroom compost or home made compost are good).

Try puddling new plants which means filling the hole with water several times before planting to lock in moisture.

Ensure plants are protected from wind which contributes greatly to drying out.

Cover the tops of containers with pebbles to conserve moisture

Hide plants and pots that are not drought tolerant from mid-day sun

Avoid mowing lawns too often and too short as they survive better in drought
if the blades shade each other

Never water or plant in full sun.

Grey water from your  kitchen sink,washing machine and bath is re-usable in your garden providing that it does not contain much soap or detergent.

Experiment with Global Gardening to make the most of climate change in your garden