The summer heat is no joke when it comes to gardening. Keeping plants alive during extreme temperatures or heat waves can be a daunting task, but it is definitely not impossible.

This time of year, plants have the tendency to “sunburn” and be under-watered. But, there are a few methods you can use to protect your plants and promote healthy growth in this hot season.

• Water in the morning. When you water your plants early in the morning, you are allowing the plants to absorb the water without the extreme heat evaporating the moisture from the soil in the peak of the day. If you think your plants need a second watering later in the day, too, don’t be afraid to do so. Everyone’s garden is different, and if you are worried about if your plants might need more water we recommend THIS water meter to help you know your garden's water needs.
• Mulch your garden. Putting mulch in your garden is always a good idea, if you haven’t already. Mulch can help protect your plants by promoting more water retention and preventing the heat from evaporating the water in your soil. It moderates soil temperature and also looks great!
• Shade your plants. Giving your plants extra shade in the hotter months can help keep them cool and avoid being damaged by sun exposure. If you need temporary shade to protect your plants, we recommend THIS UV-blocking garden net.

How Much Should I Water?

The weather in your area will affect the way you water your garden. Typically, your plants need 1 inch of water per week. This can either be from rain or from your watering routine.

For dry climates or if you are experiencing a heat wave, it is important to water your garden more often. If you live in a dry climate, 2 inches of water per week is recommended.

Hot weather requires even more watering to counteract the evaporation. For every 10 degrees above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, your garden needs 1/2 inch more water weekly. This means that if the average temperature in your area was 90 degrees for the week, you would need to water 1.5 more inches. This would be 2.5 inches total for the week.

What Kind of Mulch Should I Use?

We recommend using a natural mulch that can decompose and add nutrients to your soil. Stone, rubber, or shells can all be used as a mulch, however, since they do not break down easily we would not recommend using them in your garden. Instead, we suggest using a material like leaves, straw, or grass clippings that will break down faster and enhance the quality of your garden soil.

How Can I Shade My Plants from the Sun?

To avoid "sunburning" your plants, we recommend giving your plants as much shade as possible in hotter months. Because plants are stationary once they are planted, it can be difficult to find ways to give your garden the right amount of shade each day. Here are some small ways that can make a big difference:

• Let tall plants shade smaller plants when possible. If you have plants from your spring box planted that are taller than your new plantlings, it can be beneficial to plant them near each other for partial shade of the young plants.
• Cover your garden with a shade cloth. Using a shade cloth allows your plants to still receive sunlight without the harshness of the full sun. We suggest using a cloth that allows for partial shade and partial sunlight, as well as proper airflow, for your plants in the case of a heat wave.
• Learn from your plants and stay cool. Remember that gardening in the heat not only affects the plant babies but also plant parents! Drinking lots of water and wearing SPF is very important when gardening in the hot sun, and staying healthy is the top priority.