It has been remarkably hot and dry so far this year, and while we all might be enjoying the sunshine, our gardens will be getting a little thirsty.

Without sufficient rain it is essential that we water our gardens effectively to ensure a good crop of fruit and vegetables, and maintain the splendour of our flower beds, newly planted shrubs and trees, and especially pots and hanging baskets.

When watering plants it is a good idea to focus more on giving them a good soaking less often, rather than passing a sprinkle over them more frequently. Giving them lots of water less often and soaking the soil around them allows the water to soak further into the ground and encourages their roots to delve deeper downwards where they will naturally find more moisture to become more self-sufficient.

Do try and aim for the soil at the base of the plants as opposed to all of the foliage. Drenching the foliage in hot weather can lead to scorched leaves, fungal outbreaks and it will simply not allow the water to make its way to the roots before it evaporates.

Water in the early morning or evening

With evaporation in mind, it is beneficial to choose when to water the garden. Early morning and evening watering sessions are most effective, as with the cooler temperatures more water is able to soak in before the heat of the day dries out the soil.

However, it is a good idea to play it by ear rather than setting a strict watering schedule. If you keep an eye on your plants they have their own ways of letting you know if they’re feeling thirsty or stressed.

Trees and shrubs will start to shed leaves as they can’t support them; perennials will droop and wilt; ornamental grasses will curl their blades in on themselves; and other plants will begin to look more dormant than is appropriate for the time of year. A good soaking or two over a couple of days and most of them will bounce back pretty reliably.

If you have a patch of ground that dries out really easily or you know that reliable watering just won’t be your thing, there are loads of beautiful plants that specialise in being more drought tolerant. Lavender, rosemary, sedum, verbena, eryngium and agapanthus all flourish on minimal watering.

Also, adding well-rotted manure, bark chippings or other organic mulch to your flower beds will help prevent moisture loss through evaporation.

Containers, pots and hanging baskets will require more frequent watering as they dry out a lot quicker and the potted plant’s roots cannot grow any deeper than the pot allows, so keep more of a close watch on them.

Don’t forget to leave water out for wildlife, too, as they may be struggling in the heat.