Dry weather could damage new plants

The recent warm and dry weather may be great for those looking to spend time at the beach or in the park, but it could present garden and greenhouse enthusiasts with a problem.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has warned that the conditions could leave many young plants and trees struggling to soak up water.

According to the organisation, this is because the moisture deficit – how much rain is needed to restore the soil to full capacity – has reached four inches.

This level of dryness is not normally seen until late summer and could cause real problems for plants whose roots cannot reach the deep supply of moisture left by the winter rains.

"As summer rain is seldom sufficient for newly planted trees and shrubs I would suggest that ones planted in the last two years will need watering every ten days even if there is some rain now, " explained RHS chief horticultural adviser Guy Barter.

He suggested that, where possible, containers be grouped together in the shade to help stop them from drying out too much.

In recent gardening and greenhouse news, the RHS revealed that the Scottish government is to take action against anyone found to be introducing non-native species into the wild.