The unpredictable British weather can easily catch us out. Frequent drizzles and chilly breezes might convince you that suncream can stay in the cupboard for another month, but once the June sun breaks through the clouds, it can suddenly feel tropical.
The same is true for our gardens. While plants may appear perfectly content in the cooler mornings and evenings, they can quickly begin to struggle when temperatures rise in the middle of the day.
If you're relying on short but frequent showers to keep beds and borders hydrated, think again. A quick drizzle may dampen the soil's surface, but it's rarely enough to sustain plants through a warm summer's day – especially when sunshine returns and moisture evaporates quickly.
With the year's second heatwave well on the way, gardeners will need to be particularly vigilant this week and beyond. Temperatures are expected to climb back into the high twenties by Friday, drastically increasing the amount of water plants need to thrive.
So what's the best way to water right now? According to TV presenter and garden designer Kate Rushworth, who has partnered with home improvements retailer Wickes, timing is everything.
"Watering at the wrong time of day is one of the biggest mistakes people make during a heatwave," says Katie.
"To give plants the best chance, they should be watered deeply at the base, either first thing in the morning, ideally before 9am, or last thing at night, after 8pm. This ensures the water gets right to the roots, instead of evaporating in the midday sun.
"A light sprinkle on the leaves won’t do; they need a proper drink to survive the heat."
In addition to that, Katie strongly recommends mulching to help retain moisture between watering sessions.
"Mulching is a non-negotiable during hot spells," she urges. "Applying a generous layer of composted bark will lock in moisture and keep the soil cool."
And don't forget containers and hanging baskets, which dry out far more quickly than plants growing in the ground. "It’s a good idea to move them into a shadier spot to protect them from the intense sun," the presenter says.
Start a good watering routine now and your garden will be far better prepared for the hotter days ahead. Just remember to look after yourself, too; keep the watering can handy and the suncream within reach.
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Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
