My Climate Change Garden

BLOG THREE FOR CLIMATE WEEK

Climate Change is already affecting our gardens and bringing new challenges to gardeners all over the UK.

Here are some simple things you can do to help your garden deal with the UK’s even more  unpredictable weather.

C

Choose drought tolerant plants such as geranium, lavender, thymes, sages, sedums, budlia, cystus, rosemary, salvia, agapanthas, ornamental grasses to name a few.

L

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.

I

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

M

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

A

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)

T

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

E

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

C
Cover the tops of containers with pebbles to conserve moisture

H

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

A

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

N

Never water or plant in full sun.
G

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

E

Experiment  with these ideas to make the most of climate change in your garden