After an exceptionally dry spring across parts of the UK, many gardeners are now contemplating their hosepipes to ensure their cherished plants, fruit, and vegetables thrive. While planting drought-tolerant varieties and applying mulch to retain soil moisture are valuable strategies, the summer months often demand additional assistance to keep gardens flourishing.Fortunately, a range of innovative watering aids is available to help navigate these drier periods. Here’s a look at some options to consider:1. Hozelock Solar Select (Good garden centres, £124.99)Hozelock Solar Select automatic irrigation system (Hozelock/PA)This new automatic watering system is powered entirely by solar energy and is ideal for those planning to go on holiday who want to make sure they don’t return to straggly plants in pots and hanging baskets.It features a large solar panel that powers three rechargeable batteries to power a pump, drawing from rainwater collectors such as water butts or other large receptacles to water your plants. It offers 13 pre-set programmes to automatically water your plants and can irrigate up to 20 containers without needing a tap or mains power.2. Gardena Classic Multifunctional Sprayer Starter Set (£17.99, The Range)Gardena Classic Multifunctional Sprayer Starter Set (Gardena/PA)Beginner gardeners who have recently set up their hose might find the Gardena Classic Multifunctional Sprayer Starter Set invaluable. This versatile kit provides four distinct spray patterns, suitable for delicate plants, flowerbeds, or even powerful cleaning and fast bucket filling. Its on/off trigger locks automatically, reducing hand strain, and it comes complete with a tap connector, hose connector, and water stop.3. Elho foss round pots with reservoirs (from £11.99, elho.com)A woman on garden decking with Elho foss pots with reservoirs (elho/PA)For a more integrated approach, Elho foss round pots with reservoirs combine style with practicality. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, these frost-resistant, lightweight planters feature a two-litre reservoir that supplies plants with water as needed, storing any excess for later. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, they significantly reduce watering frequency.4. Garantia Linus 2In1 grey ribbed water butt with planter (£274.99, Crocus)Grey water butt with integrated planter (Crocus/PA)Addressing the aesthetic challenge of traditional water butts, the Garantia Linus 2In1 grey ribbed water butt with planter offers a decorative solution. This 220-litre stone grey butt not only looks more appealing but also incorporates a planter on top, allowing gardeners to enhance their outdoor space. The planter can be lifted out for easy planting, with excess water draining back into the butt. It includes a chrome tap, though a separate diverter is required to connect it to a downpipe.5. Woodland Wonders RHS watering can (£22.99, Burgon & Ball and good garden centres)(Burgon & Ball/PA)For indoor plant care, the Woodland Wonders RHS watering can is both functional and stylish enough to be left on display. Crafted from galvanised steel with a tough powder coating, its slender spout ensures precise watering, directing moisture exactly where it’s needed for houseplants.6. Make your own olla potsBudget-conscious gardeners can explore making their own olla pots. These unglazed, porous clay or terracotta irrigation pots can be buried in beds and filled with water, allowing moisture to seep gently into the soil, delivering it directly to plant roots. By plugging any holes in spare terracotta pots with putty or a tight-fitting cork, they can be placed next to plants with their rim at soil level, then filled with water. A matching saucer can serve as a lid to minimise evaporation.7. EGO misting fan (£279, EGO)(EGO/PA)Finally, for those exceptionally hot days when the UK weather becomes unbearable, the EGO misting fan offers relief for people rather than plants. This compact, portable, battery-operated fan provides three misting settings, five speeds plus turbo, and oscillation, connecting easily to a garden hose to keep family and friends cool during patio relaxation or summer parties. Battery and charger are sold separately.