Released On 20th Jul 2026

How to Keep Your Garden Hydrated and Healthy During a Hosepipe Ban

There are few things more frustrating for keen gardeners than seeing a hosepipe ban announced just as the weather turns warm and your plants need water the most. After spending time and money creating a beautiful outdoor space, it's only natural to worry about keeping it looking its best and not watch it wilt in the summer heat.

The good news is that a hosepipe ban doesn't have to mean the end of a healthy, thriving garden. With a few simple changes to the way you water and care for your plants, you can help your garden cope with dry conditions while making the most of every drop.

Water Smarter, Not More

When water is limited, timing becomes just as important as quantity. Watering early in the morning or later in the evening means moisture can soak into the soil before the heat of the day makes it all evaporate. This way more water reaches the roots (where it’s needed most) rather than disappearing into the air.

It’s also better to water deeply, but less often. Thorough soakings encourage roots to grow deeper into the ground, which make the plants more resilient during prolonged dry spells.

Focus on the Plants That Need it Most

Not every part of your garden needs the same amount of water. For example, newly planted shrubs, young trees, vegetable beds, containers and hanging baskets are generally the first to suffer during the hot weather, so they should get your attention first. While established trees and mature shrubs often have much deeper root systems, which means they can cope surprisingly well with short periods of drought. Prioritise the plants that genuinely need water to make the most of your limited water supply.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

One of the simplest ways you can reduce water loss is to apply a later of mulch around your plants. Organic mulches like bark chippings, compost or well-rotted manure are fantastic for helping the soil retain moisture, reduce evaporation and suppress weeds that would be competing for valuable water. This is a double winner, since mulching also improves your soil health over time, which will mean a more resilient garden in the future.

Collect Rainwater Whenever You Can

We know there are periods of long, intense drought during heatwaves – it’s why the hosepipe bans come in in the first place. But the rain does eventually come back (even for a short time), and you should catch it wherever you can. Installing a water butt is the best way to do this, as it lets you capture rainwater from your roof whenever it rains and keeps it safe from evaporation. Even small amounts can make a big difference when you’re in a hosepipe ban! And because rainwater is naturally softer than tap water, it’s an excellent choice for a lot of plants.

Look After Your Lawn

It can be scary to see your lovingly cared for lawn turning brown. You might worry that it’s dying, but don’t worry, they’re often tougher than they appear. Most established lawns will naturally go dormant during prolonged dry weather, and the brown colour is a defence mechanism. Once it starts raining again, they’ll be back to green in no time. So rather than trying to keep your grass perfectly green, instead focus on giving it the best chance when it comes back to life. Raise your mower blades slightly and mow less frequently so that the soil beneath can keep water in and reduce stress on the grass.

Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants

The increasingly hot, dry summers we’ve had in recent years have changed the way many people think about their gardens. Now, choose drought-resistant plants to incorporate in your garden can reduce future watering requirements without losing colour or interest. Mediterranean-style planting, ornamental grasses and many perennial varieties all do very well with periods of exceptionally dry weather. So work with the environment, not against it.

Plan for Long-Term Resilience

Much as we hate to admit it, this kind of heat probably isn’t going away. The Met Office confirmed that extreme climates are becoming the new ‘normal’ for the UK. The last 4 years have all been in the top 5 warmest years in the 21st Century so far, and with warming continuing around 0.25°C per decade since the 1980s, it’s going to keep coming.

Hosepipe bans often highlight areas of a garden that could be working harder, so this is your chance to start planning for future resilience. Things like improving soil structure, selecting the right plants for the conditions, increasing shaded areas and designing borders that retain moisture can all make a significant difference during future summers.

At CMA Garden Design, we believe gardens should be beautiful, enjoyable and designed to thrive in the conditions they face. Whether you're planning a complete redesign or looking to improve an existing garden, we can help you create an outdoor space that's both practical and resilient. If you'd like to discuss how thoughtful planting and clever design can help your garden cope with increasingly dry summers, we'd be delighted to help.