You can also add a soil topper, like mulch or bark, to help lock in moisture throughout the hottest parts of the day. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference.

It’s not just your plants that feel the strain — wildlife does too, so make sure to include water in your garden for all animals. 

Bird baths are ideal, giving birds a place to both drink and cool off with a refreshing splash. Shallow dishes of water left at ground level can help creatures like hedgehogs, frogs and insects. 

And adding a few stones or pebbles into the bowls will give smaller animals something to perch on while they drink.

It’s important to check up on any ponds, particularly those with no running water, as during a heatwave it’s easy for water levels to drop dramatically, which could put any fish or aquatic life at risk.

You can also create a pleasant shaded area in your garden to offer a cool retreat for wildlife by arranging potted plants in a naturally cooler spot, providing shelter from direct sunlight.

Not only will this benefit animals, but it also helps the plants themselves by creating a microclimate that regulates humidity levels and reduces water loss.

Six ways to help your garden through a heatwave

1. Frequent watering

During hot weather, ensure your crops, blooms, and lawn receive sufficient water. It's best to water them during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening, when temperatures are lower and less water is lost to evaporation.

2. Help plants retain moisture

Once your plants have been watered, it’s important to help them retain that moisture — especially in hot weather. Applying mulch to the soil surface helps to reduce evaporation and keep the water where it’s needed most. Mulch can include bark, wood chips, straw and gravel.

3. Group potted plants together

By moving potted plants closer together in shaded areas, you can create a microclimate that helps them retain humidity and reduces water loss. Grouping plants also provides shade, especially for more delicate varieties. If space allows, place them near walls or fences that offer shelter and will reflect less heat than open areas.

4. Provide shade

Some plants may be more sensitive to sunlight, so move these into the shade to prevent them from drying out. Plants that prefer partial sun include hydrangeas, ferns, and begonias. If you’re unable to move them, you can also use cloth covers or shade screens to provide protection.

5. De-weed

Weeds are simply plants that you don’t want in your garden, and allowing them to grow means they’ll compete with the plants you do want for nutrients and water. Make sure to de-weed regularly to stop your desired plants from being starved of moisture.

6. Don’t forget the wildlife

Hot weather can be challenging for wildlife, so don’t forget to leave out some water. Topping up birdbaths and placing shallow bowls around the garden can be vital for helping animals stay hydrated. If you have a pond, make sure it doesn’t dry out - keep it topped up to protect any aquatic wildlife and plants. Shaded areas can also be created using heat-tolerant plants or by setting up shade screens.