With England seeing drier and drier summers, we investigate the impact of a potential national drought being declared and what this would mean for our gardens
In 2022 England experienced its driest July since 1935, with a record-breaking heatwave that saw temperatures reach over 40°C, and lower than average rainfall across much of the country. South east England saw only 7 per cent of its normal rainfall in July. This resulted in low river flows across much of England, and reservoir levels falling across Yorkshire, central and south-west England.
More on drought tolerant gardens
- Is drought tolerant planting realistic in the UK?
- The best drought tolerant plants
- Adapting to drought: how we should be gardening
While we haven’t got to that year’s levels of heat and lack of rain yet, here’s everything you need to know about drought and our gardens.
Are we facing a drought in the UK?
So far this year, rather than heat, we are being warned that in fact 2024 may be the wetted summer on record, with around 50 rainy days to be expected. Despite this, however, scientists are still warning that there could be hosepipe bans in the UK, due to poor water storage facilities.
In March this year a report by the Environment Agency predicted an increasing shortfall in water for the UK over the coming years. It was predicted that by 2050, we are going to need almost 5 billion more litres of water a day. The report said that as well as opportunities for stopping wasting water through leaking pipes, toilets, taps and urinals, there are measures we can all take to try to reduce our water consumption.
Is there a hosepipe ban in the UK?
So far no hosepipe bans have been announced in the UK
Here’s everything you need to know about hosepipe bans.
How to look after your garden during dry weather
Save water During this period of prolonged dry weather, gardeners are being encouraged to use water wisely to protect water supplies and the environment. This involves avoiding use of hosepipes and sprinklers, opting instead for watering cans filled with water from a water butt, or reusing grey water. Read more water-saving ideas.
Water your plants at the right time of day During hot weather it’s important to water your plants at the right time of day – first thing in the morning or in the evening – avoiding full sun when the water will evaporate quickly from the soil.
Don’t water your lawn A yellow, parched lawn might not look very attractive but grasses are hardy plants that can endure dry spells and will bounce back once cooler, wetter weather reappears.
Plant drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants such as salvias, phlomis and euphorbias are resilient, reliable plants that require very little water and can give your garden a beautifully Mediterranean aesthetic.
Start making long-term changes now With the effects of Climate Change it’s believed the UK could experience more extremes of dry hot weather in summer and wet weather in winter. Read our feature about what you can do in your garden to help adapt to these changes.
Don’t miss our piece on the best drought tolerant plants.