The heatwave survival guide for gardeners

From drooping hydrangeas and thirsty tomato plants to lawns turning brown seemingly overnight, hot weather can quickly take its toll on the garden. As temperatures rise, many gardeners find themselves battling the effects of heat stress, often reaching for the watering can to keep plants growing. 

However, experts say resilience starts long before a heatwave arrives. By focusing on root health, nutrition and moisture retention, gardeners can help plants cope better with challenging conditions and recover more quickly when temperatures cool. Angharad James, Brand Manager at Maxicrop, shares how to prepare your garden to cope with the summer heat. 

Prepare plants before temperatures rise 

“One of the best ways to help plants cope with a heatwave is to prepare them before temperatures start to climb. Once plants are visibly wilting or showing signs of stress, they are already diverting energy away from healthy growth and flowering. 

“Strong roots are particularly important during hot weather because they allow plants to access water and nutrients more efficiently. Seaweed-based stimulants such as Maxicrop® All Purpose Plant Growth Stimulant can help support root development, nutrient uptake and overall plant vitality, helping plants become more resilient to environmental stresses including heat and drought. Using a growth stimulant regularly throughout the growing season can help build stronger, healthier plants that are better equipped to cope when hot weather arrives.” 

Water wisely and support moisture 

“During a heatwave, it can be tempting to water little and often, but this can encourage shallow rooting and leave plants more vulnerable to drying out. Instead, aim to water thoroughly and less frequently to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture remains available for longer. 

“Watering early in the morning or later in the evening will also help reduce evaporation, while adding a layer of mulch around plants can help lock moisture in the soil. Container-grown plants often need extra attention during hot weather as compost dries out much faster than garden soil, particularly in sunny positions.” 

Keep plants nourished during periods of stress 

“Hot weather can affect how efficiently plants absorb and use nutrients, making regular feeding particularly important throughout the summer months. Vegetable crops and fruiting plants such as tomatoes are especially vulnerable, as they require a steady supply of nutrients to support healthy growth and crop production. 

“Feeds that combine nutrition with natural seaweed extract can help support both plant growth and resilience. Maxicrop® Vegetable Growth Stimulant & Feed helps maintain healthy growth and productive harvests, while Maxicrop® Tomato Growth Stimulant & Feed provides the additional potash needed to support flowering, fruit development and crop quality. Maintaining a consistent feeding routine can help plants stay healthier and recover more quickly after periods of extreme heat.”   

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For more expert gardening advice and details on Maxicrop, visit www.seezon.co.uk. 

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Editors notes

Maxicrop® has been a trusted name in gardening for over 80 years, known and loved for its premium organic seaweed-based products that support plant growth and resilience.

Sustainably sourced from the pristine waters off the Norwegian coast, Maxicrop’s seaweed extract is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, offering a natural bio-stimulant to develop strong plant cells and boost root growth, while building resistance to disease, drought and cold.

Its hero product, the popular All Purpose Growth Stimulant, is a pure bio-stimulant with an enriched formula designed to enhance root development, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance in plants.

The wider range features products that carefully combine this high-quality, highly concentrated seaweed base with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium to provide complete care for a variety of garden needs, including Vegetable Growth Stimulant and Feed, Tomato Growth Stimulant and Feed, Growth Stimulant and Sequestered Iron, and Moss Killer and Lawn Tonic.

Certified organic by the Soil Association, Maxicrop provides eco-conscious gardeners with effective, sustainable solutions for healthy, thriving plants.