RHS Recommends Dropping Cauliflower from English Gardens Amid Heatwave

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has issued a new planting guide urging English gardeners to ditch water‑intensive brassicas such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage in favour of more drought‑tolerant varieties. The move follows a review of the UK’s changing climate, which has seen rising temperatures and more frequent dry spells that make the water‑hungry brassicas difficult to grow and increasingly costly to maintain.

RHS experts explain that brassicas require steady moisture to develop their characteristic heads, and the recent heatwaves have pushed many home growers to the brink of water shortages. The society recommends switching to crops that thrive in drier conditions—such as carrots, beetroot, leafy greens and certain legumes—while still providing the nutritional variety needed for a traditional Sunday roast. The guidance also includes tips on soil improvement, mulching and efficient irrigation to help gardeners adapt to the new climate realities.

By adopting these changes, the RHS hopes to reduce water use, lower the risk of crop failure and preserve the sustainability of home vegetable gardens. The charity’s call to action underscores a broader shift in UK horticulture, where climate resilience is becoming a priority for both hobbyists and commercial growers alike.