The first heatwave of the season can surprise even the most seasoned gardeners. While we humans can retreat into air-conditioned homes or sip iced tea in the shade, our plants are stuck out in the sweltering sun, vulnerable to dehydration, sunscald, and stress.
With a few smart strategies, your green friends can make it through the heatwave unscathed and even thrive. Here’s what you need to know to protect your plants during that first wave of extreme heat.
1. Water Wisely and Deeply
During a heatwave, the top layer of soil dries out quickly, leaving shallow-rooted plants especially vulnerable.
-
Water early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
-
Focus on deep watering rather than frequent shallow sprinkles. A good soak encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more resilient to heat stress.
-
For containers, check daily—they dry out faster than garden beds.
Pro Tip: Use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose for efficient, consistent watering without waste.
2. Mulch is Your Garden’s Best Friend
A layer of mulch acts like an insulator, keeping the soil cooler and moist for longer.
-
Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (like shredded bark, straw, or compost) around the base of plants.
-
Be sure not to pile it against stems or trunks—give them space to breathe.
Mulch not only conserves moisture but also suppresses weeds, which compete with your plants for water.
3. Provide Temporary Shade
Just like people, plants can get sunburned—especially tender vegetables, young seedlings, and shade-loving varieties.
-
Use shade cloths, old bedsheets, or garden umbrellas to provide relief during the hottest part of the day (usually 11 AM–4 PM).
-
You can create quick DIY shade with stakes and burlap or even place taller plants strategically to protect shorter ones.
4. Hold Off on Pruning and Fertilizing
A heatwave is not the time to push your plants to grow.
-
Avoid pruning: Removing foliage exposes plants to more sun and can shock them.
-
Pause fertilizing: Fertilizer encourages new growth, which is more sensitive to heat and increases the plant’s water needs.
Let your plants focus on surviving rather than growing during this period.
5. Watch for Heat Stress Symptoms
Keep a close eye on your garden. Common signs of heat stress include:
-
Wilting in the afternoon (even if the plant perks up in the evening)
-
Leaf scorch (browning or crispy edges)
-
Blossom drop (especially in tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers)
If you notice these signs, increase watering slightly, boost shade, and check soil moisture.
The first heatwave of the season can be stressful—for both plants and gardeners—but it’s also an opportunity to tune into your garden’s needs. By being proactive and responsive, you’ll help your plants not only survive the scorching sun but bounce back stronger.
So grab your sunhat, your watering can, and keep calm—your garden can handle the heat with a little help from you.