Coping with Summer Heat in the Garden

Wilted foliage is a sure sign of heat stress.

By Jenny Peterson

This summer, the country is experiencing some mighty strange weather—we all expect some high temperatures, but parts of the country are trying to survive through record-setting heat and humidity. To make matters worse, add either drought or too much rain, and you've got a recipe for the summer blues. What's a gardener to do? Plenty! Read on to find out how to protect both yourself and your garden during high summer heat.

Keep cool. When my landscape crew and I are out on a job site, they have shown me how to protect myself from the sun and the heat. They wear long, looser pants, long-sleeved T-shirts, and wide-brimmed hats. I know you might not want to look like a founding member of the Ladies' Garden Club, but it's smart to shield your skin. Use sun block, stay hydrated with water, and take frequent breaks in the shade.

Protect your plants. When the heat is nearly unbearable, sometimes we need to focus on simply getting our plants to survive rather than expecting high performance and blooming. My geraniums and petunias aren't blooming, but that's okay. I'm more concerned with saving my higher-priced, valuable landscape plants like trees, shrubs, and established perennials. Know what to save and what to let go, if it comes to a choice. Water deeply and be sure your mulch is a good 3 inches thick. Look for signs of heat stress—wilted leaves, no flowers, brown foliage—and respond with a deep soaking.

Conserve water. If your area is experiencing drought, you are likely familiar with water restrictions. You may be allowed to water only once or twice a week and only on certain days. Know your area's guidelines and adhere to them. Water in the morning rather than during the afternoon, when the combination of water and heat can damage foliage. If you hand water, remember to water deeply and not simply sprinkle the foliage. Finally, if you have an automatic irrigation system, be sure it's in good repair. An irrigation specialist recently gave me the following tip to ensure a deep soaking: If your system is set to water for 20 minutes in each zone, for example, divide that time in two. Allow each zone to water for 10 minutes, then set it to go off a couple of hours later for another 10 minutes per zone. The first watering will allow the second to thoroughly soak in, avoiding wasteful runoff.