With the UK experiencing its hottest May day, horticulturist Peter Dowdall highlights a common watering mistake among gardeners: watering plants little and often during intense heat. This practice can lead to shallow roots, making plants weaker and overly dependent on frequent watering. Dowdall stresses the importance of deep watering, which allows moisture to reach deeper soil layers where roots thrive. He advocates for improving soil health as essential for plant resilience, suggesting that adding organic mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Timing is also critical; watering in the early morning or late evening is recommended to reduce evaporation losses. Dowdall reassures homeowners that a brown lawn does not necessarily indicate death, as grass is resilient and often recovers once rain returns. By adopting these practices, gardeners can better prepare their plants for ongoing heat and dry conditions.