How to Keep Your Garden Thriving in the Summer Heat - The Hortiwool Way

As temperatures continue to soar, many gardeners find themselves struggling to keep their plants hydrated and healthy. Long dry spells and intense sunshine can quickly turn a lush garden into a parched patch of struggling vegetation. But there are natural, sustainable ways to protect your plants from the challenges of summer heat, and it starts with working with nature, not against it.

From smart watering practices to the benefits of using wool in the garden, here are our top tips to help your garden thrive through the heat – naturally.

1. Prioritise Water Retention

One of the biggest challenges in summer heat is keeping moisture in the soil where it belongs – around your plant roots. Evaporation can be rapid during hot days, and water quickly disappears before plants can make the most of it.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

Applying a generous layer of mulch is one of the most effective ways to lock moisture into the soil. Organic mulches like bark, straw, or compost all help, but for a truly sustainable and high-performing option, try Hortiwool Garden Pads.

Made from 100% natural British wool, these pads sit around the base of your plants, suppressing weeds while helping the soil retain moisture. Wool is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb and slowly release water. This makes it ideal for keeping roots consistently hydrated even during hot spells throughout summer.

Simply lay Hortiwool Garden Pads around your shrubs, fruit bushes, or even in containers. They’ll help cut down on how often you need to water, reducing waste and saving you time.

2. Water Smart – Not Often

It may seem counterintuitive, but watering less frequently and more deeply is far better than shallow, daily sprinkling. Shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, making plants more vulnerable to drought. Instead, water early in the morning or late in the evening, allowing it to soak in and reduce evaporation.

Use Natural Absorbent Materials

Using wool in the garden can go beyond surface mulch. You can also work shredded wool into your soil or compost to increase its water-holding capacity. Wool fibres absorb moisture and then slowly release it back into the surrounding soil, mimicking the action of a sponge.

This is particularly useful in raised beds, containers, or sandy soils where water drains quickly.

3. Shade Sensitive Plants

Not all plants love full sun – even sun-lovers can wilt in intense heat. Where possible, group heat-sensitive plants in partially shaded spots or use companion planting to create microclimates.

For example, taller plants like sunflowers, sweetcorn or beans can help shade more delicate crops like lettuce, spinach or strawberries. You can also use temporary structures like bamboo frames with fabric, old net curtains, or shade cloths during peak sunshine hours.

4. Choose Drought-Tolerant Varieties

During hot spells in summer, it helps to select plants that are naturally more resistant to dry conditions. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender thrive in the heat and need little watering once established. Ornamental grasses, sedums, and hardy geraniums also cope well with less water.

Adding these types of plants reduces the strain on your watering routine while keeping your garden looking vibrant.

5. Reuse Water Sustainably

Being eco-conscious in the garden also means making the most of every drop. Grey water – such as cooled water from cooking or rinsing vegetables – can be used to water ornamental plants. Just be sure it’s free from soap, salt, or harsh chemicals.

Pair this with Hortiwool Garden Pads to make sure that reused water stays in the soil for as long as possible, nourishing roots rather than disappearing into the air.

6. Feed the Soil – Naturally

Healthy soil is like a sponge, it holds onto water and nutrients far more efficiently. Boost your soil with organic compost, well-rotted manure, and natural materials like wool.

Using wool in the garden in summer not only improves water retention but also slowly releases nitrogen as it breaks down – a win-win for your soil and plants. If you're looking to enrich your compost heap or raised bed mix, wool is a natural and sustainable addition.

Thrive Naturally in the Summer Heat with Hortiwool Garden Pads

Gardening through the summer heat doesn't have to mean endless watering or sacrificing your green space. With a few thoughtful changes and natural materials like wool, your garden can stay lush, productive, and resilient.

Hortiwool Garden Pads are an easy and sustainable way to make a big difference. Whether you're mulching, planting, or composting, wool offers a chemical-free, sustainable way to protect your plants and reduce water waste, just as nature intended.

So this summer, give your garden the natural boost it needs with Hortiwool!