Don’tpanic–here’showtobeattheheat

HEaT and drought are harmful, but the damage is often temporary. if your lawn looks dead, for example, don’t worry — the first heavy rain will soon green up the grass.

Meanwhile, avoid wear and tear on stressed lawns and give your mower a rest until the grass has recovered.

New lawns are far less drought-resistant, however. Recently seeded or turfed areas urgently need water.

One lengthy soak is better than frequent light sprinkling. To reduce evaporation, water in the mornings or evenings — not in the heat of the day.

Revive scorched borders by deadheading and picking over drought-stressed plants. Trim away dead or dying stems and remove or cut back any plants which are over or have died.

Plants in containers could also be heat stressed, so pick over those, cutting away dead leaves or stems.

Water pots and troughs thoroughly, going over them twice. Make sure the water reaches, and thoroughly soaks, dehydrated potting compost.

Garden ponds suffer in extreme heat, too. Keep those topped up, preferably with rain water. Remove excess growths of blanket weed, but take care not to damage floating leaves of water lilies and other aquatic plants.

These provide shade to help cool the water. Cold water carries more oxygen, supporting more animal life.

Mains water is expensive. if you have stored rainwater, or access to ‘grey’ water from baths or kitchen drains, that will save you money. and consider upping your water butt count, for future dry spells.

Oh, and try not to complain. Lovely, long evenings are with us for now, but darkness comes a little earlier each day.