Britain is once again grappling with intense heat, drawing parallels to the significant heatwave experienced in 1976. During that period, Britons employed a range of resourceful, low-tech methods to keep gardens and plants alive amidst hosepipe bans and sweltering conditions. These historical practices offer a stark contrast to today's sophisticated watering technologies.
Gardener Don Hoyle, featured on the BBC's 'Nationwide' program on August 4, 1976, shared his strategies for maintaining his garden without using a hosepipe. He emphasized concentrating water resources on plants that most needed them, advocating for the use of bathwater and other conserved liquids.
Hoyle's advice included utilizing peat for potted plants, as its sponge-like quality retains moisture for extended periods after a thorough soaking. For those going on holiday, he suggested moving potted plants and hanging baskets to the shadiest, coolest parts of the garden and removing any flowers to reduce water demand. For plants in the ground, such as Camellias, he recommended applying a layer of mulch, like grass mowings, after watering with conserved bathwater, cautioning against the use of water from washing machines or dishwashing due to potential chemical content.
For indoor plants, Hoyle demonstrated a self-watering system using capillary action. This involved a seedbox lined with polythene and filled with moist sand. By filling the box with water, it would slowly percolate into the sand, allowing houseplants placed on top to draw moisture as needed, keeping them hydrated for weeks.
When it came to growing produce like tomatoes, Hoyle acknowledged the need for assistance from neighbors or friends. His suggestion for incentivizing help was to offer a share of the harvest. He also mentioned a tactic for tomato plants: covering their roots with old, baggy trousers could help retain moisture if watered even once a day.
Beyond practical tips, Hoyle also advised a degree of realism, suggesting that in drought conditions, it was sometimes necessary to accept the loss of plants with a short lifespan, rather than waste precious water. "No point wasting water on plants which will be gone in about six weeks anyway," he explained.
The current heatwave in the UK has seen temperatures approaching 38C (100F), prompting an amber 'extreme heat' warning from the Met Office and an amber heat health alert from the UK Health Security Agency, which warns of a potential rise in deaths. Rail services have been reduced, with passengers advised to travel only if essential due to the extreme temperatures. So far in 2026, England and Wales have recorded 1,017 wildfires, matching the total for the entirety of the previous year. In response to the ongoing hot and dry weather, Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee.