Flower Farming in a Drought
One of the questions I get asked most often at the flower patch is how I keep everything looking healthy through long spells of hot weather. The truth is that there is no magic solution. Instead, it's a combination of small, sustainable practices that work together to build resilience into the growing system.
It won't have escaped your notice that we are having more and more periods of intense heat and extended dry weather. Maintaining my patch as an oasis for wildlife is as important to me as still having lots of blooms for my customers.
Building Resilience from the Ground Up
One of the most important things I do is focus on the soil. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, holding onto moisture for longer and making it available to plants when they need it most.
That's one of the reasons I grow using no-dig methods. By disturbing the soil as little as possible, I protect the network of organisms living below the surface and help the soil retain its structure. Over time, this creates beds that are better able to cope with challenging conditions.
Mulch, Mulch and More Mulch
If there is one job that pays dividends during a heatwave, it's mulching.I apply generous layers of organic mulch across my beds in Spring and Autumn. This acts as a protective blanket over the soil, reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds and helping to keep temperatures more stable around plant roots.Without mulch, the surface of the soil can quickly dry out in the sun. With a thick layer in place, moisture stays where it is most useful: underground, where plant roots can access it.The added bonus is that the mulch gradually breaks down and feeds the organisms in the soil, improving its structure year after year.
Watering When It Really Matters
One of the advantages of growing at Hoopers Farm is having access to a natural spring. This gives me the ability to water when conditions are exceptionally dry and plants genuinely need support, particularly when they are getting established.Rather than watering little and often, I prefer to water deeply when necessary. This encourages roots to grow further into the soil, making plants more self-sufficient in the long run. Because the beds are heavily mulched and the soil is rich in organic matter, I can make the most of every drop. People are surprised to hear that I use a sprinkler, but rather than using it to just sprinkle water on the surface, I leave it running for a sustained time to ensure that the water gets to soak right through the soil, lasting much longer. Obviously, this wouldn't be sustainable if I were using treated mains water, but it is crucial to keeping my newer plants happy.
The Power of Seaweed
Another strategy which I feel works well for me is using seaweed. Seaweed feeds the soil and supports healthy plant growth, rather than simply forcing plants to grow quickly. It's packed with trace elements and is often used to help plants cope with environmental stresses such as heat, drought and transplanting.
I use seaweed products throughout the growing season, particularly when plants are working hard or conditions are becoming more challenging. Healthy plants are naturally more resilient, and I've found seaweed to be a valuable part of that approach.