GROWING TIPS
Keeping Plants Alive in the Summer Heat
Katie Rosa | August 12, 2026
Even us humans wilt a little in the summer heat, so it’s understandable for plants to feel the
burn too. Whether you’re a novice gardener or you’ve been growing plants for years, you may
find yourself stumped on how to keep plants alive in the middle of a heat wave.
We’re determined to un-stump you – so your trees don’t turn into stumps…
General Information on Plant Care During the Summer
You’ve mastered the care of your plants during cooler weather in your area, but you’ve had
some trouble keeping your plants alive when temperatures begin to soar.
It’s important to keep a close eye on the weather in your region so you will always be prepared
to care for your plants appropriately and aren’t taken by surprise when that heat wave comes.
Don’t wait until your plants have already been stressed by the heat to act.
Moving container plants to shadier areas of your yard during the hottest days of the summer is
a great way to protect them and prevent the soil from drying out. You also want to hold off on
transplanting until cooler temperatures arrive.
Top 3 Tips for Keeping Plants Alive in the Heat
Here are 3 additional “Dos” and 3 “Don’ts” for keeping plants alive during the hottest times of the year, so you can help your plants beat the heat.
1. Water Earlier in the Day
One mistake many gardeners make in the summer heat is waiting until the sun is already high in the sky before watering their plants and trees. You want to water earlier in the day to prevent water from evaporating before the plants have had a chance to drink their fill (Portland.gov).
2. Longer Soaks Rather Than Frequent Ones
Give your plants a good long soak instead of frequent drinks throughout the day. The longer soak allows the water to reach the roots of your plants (Desert Botanical Gardens). If you do see that your plants are in distress, go ahead and give them a deep soak. Check the moisture of the soil before watering.
3. Keep Moisture in the Ground
In extremely hot climates, such as those found in Arizona, Florida, and Southern California, it can seem like the heat pulls the moisture out of the ground within seconds of turning off the sprinklers or irrigation system. To keep moisture locked in the soil, consider using a high-quality mulch. If you are unsure of how to mulch your garden, more information on how to get started can be found here.
Top 3 “Don’ts” for Gardening in a Heatwave
We’ve given you information on what to do to keep your plants alive in the heat, but what are some things you should stay away from? Here are 3 “Don’ts” for gardening in the heat of the summer.
1. Don’t Prune Your Plants
It’s always tempting to clip off dead leaves so that new growth can come in. However, new growth is very susceptible to hot temperatures. Pruning can also cause sun burn for your plants as you expose sensitive tissue to the high intensity rays of the summer sun. It’s best to save pruning for cooler weather.
2. Don’t Apply Chemicals
Applying chemicals, such as insecticides, during the summer heat can cause your plants to die. Chemicals combined with the harsh temperatures can shock your plants and be too much for them to handle.
3. Don’t Spray Water Directly on Plant Leaves
“Misting” or spraying water directly on your plants’ leaves may seem helpful. Who doesn’t love a good misting in the middle of a summer heat wave? Feels nice and keeps ya cool, right? Wrong. Water droplets actually cause the sun’s heat to intensify as those tiny droplets of water essentially turn into mini magnifying glasses. Before you know it, your plants’ leaves will be burnt to little crispies.
Now You Can Keep Your Plants Alive in the Summer!
We already know you have the heart and patience to care for your plants – you give them plenty of love and attention. You’re even willing to brave the heat to keep them safe and happy! But now you also have the knowledge to give them what they truly need to survive – and you know what not to do.
