A few really hot days can be tough on a garden.
Plants that looked perfectly happy last week may suddenly start drooping, leaves can curl or turn brown, and the soil may seem to dry out almost overnight.
The good news is that you don't need to completely change your gardening routine every time temperatures rise. A few adjustments can help your plants handle periods of extreme heat much better.
🌱 Water deeply, not just often
During a heat wave, it can be tempting to water your plants several times a day.
But frequent, shallow watering isn't always the best solution.
When possible, water deeply enough to moisten the soil around the root zone. This encourages roots to grow deeper, where the soil tends to stay cooler and retain moisture longer.
How often you need to water depends on your soil, plants, temperature, and rainfall. Instead of following a strict schedule, check the soil first.
If the soil feels dry several inches below the surface, your plants may be ready for a thorough watering.
The best time to water
Early morning is usually the easiest time to water during very hot weather.
The temperatures are cooler, there is generally less evaporation, and plants have access to moisture during the hottest part of the day.
If morning isn't possible, watering in the evening can also work. Try to avoid routinely wetting the foliage late at night, particularly for plants that are prone to fungal problems.
☀️ Give vulnerable plants some afternoon protection
Not every plant reacts to heat in the same way.
Newly planted flowers, young seedlings, container plants, and plants that naturally prefer cooler conditions may struggle more during a heat wave.
If possible, provide temporary shade during the hottest part of the afternoon.
A shade cloth can help, but you can also make use of existing structures, porches, trees, or other areas that provide some relief from intense afternoon sun.
You don't necessarily need to shade the entire garden. Focus on the plants that are showing the most stress.
🪴 Don't forget about container plants
Potted plants can dry out much faster than plants growing directly in the ground.
A container has a limited amount of soil, and the sides of the pot can become surprisingly hot when exposed to direct sunlight.
During extreme heat:
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Check containers more frequently.
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Move vulnerable pots away from intense afternoon sun if possible.
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Make sure excess water can drain properly.
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Pay particular attention to small containers, which tend to dry out quickly.
If a container plant is struggling despite regular watering, the problem may be heat as much as lack of moisture.
🌿 Add mulch to help the soil hold moisture
A layer of mulch can be especially useful during hot, dry weather.
Organic materials such as shredded bark, wood chips, straw, or compost can help reduce evaporation and keep the soil temperature more stable.
You don't need an extremely thick layer.
A few inches is generally enough for many garden situations, but leave some space around the base of plant stems and tree trunks. Mulch piled directly against stems can create problems with moisture and pests.
Mulch isn't a substitute for watering, but it can help the water you apply stay in the soil longer.
🍃 Learn the difference between heat stress and a bigger problem
Some plants naturally wilt slightly during the hottest part of the day and recover once temperatures drop.
That doesn't always mean they are in serious trouble.
More concerning signs can include:
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Leaves staying wilted into the evening
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Crispy or brown leaf edges
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Curling leaves
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Scorched patches on leaves
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Dropping flowers or young fruit
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Very dry soil around the roots
Check the soil before automatically adding more water.
Overwatering can also damage roots, and stressed plants aren't always suffering from a lack of water.
✂️ Hold off on major pruning
A heat wave usually isn't the best time for major pruning.
Removing a lot of leaves can expose previously shaded parts of the plant to stronger sunlight and add additional stress.
Unless a branch is damaged, diseased, or creating a safety problem, it is often better to wait until the extreme heat has passed before doing significant pruning.
The same idea applies to other major garden projects. If a plant is already struggling with heat, it may appreciate a little less attention rather than more.
🌻 A little preparation goes a long way
You don't need to protect every plant from every hot day.
Healthy plants that are well suited to your local growing conditions can often handle short periods of high temperatures surprisingly well.
The biggest difference usually comes from paying attention to the basics:
Check the soil. Water deeply. Protect vulnerable plants. Keep containers from overheating. Use mulch. And give stressed plants time to recover.
Once the heat wave passes, your garden may bounce back faster than you expect.
And if a particular plant struggles every summer, that can be useful information too. It may be worth finding a better location for it—or choosing a variety that is better suited to your garden's conditions next time. 🌿