Heatwave prompts garden and salad advice across France and Spain

During the current heatwave, gardeners are warned that sudden, heavy watering can cause tomatoes to split, a phenomenon known as "hydraulic shock." Experts advise watering lightly in the early morning or late evening, using drip irrigation, mulching and avoiding water on foliage.

Agricultural researchers list nine vegetables that tolerate extreme heat and drought, including garlic, onion, beetroot, cabbage, spinach, eggplant, chickpeas, lentils and certain beans. Regular mulching and deep, infrequent watering help these crops survive prolonged temperatures above 35 °C.

A meta‑analysis of twelve studies in seven countries found that daily consumption of about 170 g of lentils or 60‑80 g of tofu can cut the risk of hypertension by up to 30 %. The nutrients involved are potassium, magnesium, soluble fibre and isoflavones.

Home‑gardeners are also advised to remove heavy or impermeable objects—such as pools, trampolines, garden furniture and barbecues—from lawns during the heat, as they trap heat and prevent air, light and water from reaching the grass.

Quick, protein‑rich summer meals are recommended to avoid cooking in high temperatures. Examples include a five‑minute hummus‑and‑feta sandwich, a variety of 24 no‑cook recipes such as salads, gazpachos and desserts, and a crispy zucchini‑burrata tart made with filo sheets.