What to Do as the Days Heat Up in the Garden
As temperatures climb and the summer sun takes center stage, your garden’s needs shift dramatically. Heat can stress plants, dry out soil in record time, and invite pests to take hold. But with a few strategic moves, you can help your garden thrive even in the heat of the season.

Water Smart, Not Often
Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root systems that can handle heat better. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal issues. Consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target water at the root zone and reduce waste.

Master Gardener Tip – Test your soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry at that depth, it’s time to water.

Shield Tender Plants
Young or heat-sensitive plants can benefit from temporary shade. Use row covers, old bedsheets, or even strategically placed trellises to filter the intense afternoon sun. This can prevent sunscald on fruits and flowers.

Stay Ahead of Pests
Heat can speed up insect life cycles. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Encourage beneficial predators like ladybugs, or use a blast of water or neem oil to control outbreaks early.

Feed Lightly, If at All
Overfeeding in high heat can stress plants. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers and opt for compost teas or diluted fish emulsion to keep plants nourished without overdoing it.

Mulch Like a Pro
A thick layer of organic mulch—like straw, bark, or shredded leaves—acts as a moisture-locking blanket for your soil. Not only does it reduce evaporation, it also keeps roots cool and suppresses weeds. Replenish mulch as it breaks down and aim for 2-3 inches around most plants. Just keep it a few inches away from stems to prevent rot.

Keep Deadheading and Pruning
Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and prune leggy or heat-damaged growth to redirect energy. This keeps your plants tidy, productive, and less stressed.

Harvest Often
Fruits and vegetables ripen quickly in hot weather. Pick them regularly to encourage further production and prevent spoilage or pest attraction.

Plan for Fall
Now’s the time to start seeds for fall crops like kale, carrots, and broccoli. Get a jump on cooler-season gardening while summer still reigns.

Signs of Stress – What to Watch For
Even with careful care, your plants might still show signs that they’re struggling with the heat. Catching these early gives you time to act.

Wilting in the Morning – It’s normal for plants to droop slightly in the afternoon sun, but if they’re still wilted in the early morning, they may be seriously dehydrated.
Leaf Curling or Scorching – Leaves that curl, brown at the edges, or develop sunburn-like spots may be getting too much sun or not enough water.
Blossom Drop – Tomatoes, peppers, and squash often drop flowers when nighttime temps stay high. It’s a natural defense mechanism, but frustrating. Keep plants hydrated and mulched and they’ll recover.
Slow Growth – Extreme heat can stall plant growth. Focus on keeping conditions steady, and new growth will resume when temperatures moderate.
Pest Surges – Stressed plants are more vulnerable. If you’re suddenly seeing damage from aphids, mites, or beetles, it may be a sign your plants need extra support.