Keeping Your Yard and Garden Alive in the Summer Heat

Sunshine is one of the main ingredients for a lush yard and productive garden. But when summertime temperatures hit the 90s and triple digits, it can cause some issues. Here are a few ways you can keep your plants happy in the summer heat.

Are Your Plants Movable?

Hanging baskets, as well as potted plants, can be moved to more shaded areas when the sun is the most intense. If possible, place them so they only get a handful of hours in full sun each day. Some plants may require you move them several times per day. Check out our article Coastal 101: Hanging Basket Basics for more on where to place your flowers and other plants to keep them alive all summer long.

Watering is Essential

Programmable watering systems such as the Orbit Automatic Hose Faucet Watering Kit are great options to ensure your plants and garden get plenty of H²O on extra hot days. Other options include drip irrigation, soaker hoses, as well as hand watering. You’ll find all of those options and more at your Northwest owned and operated Coastal.

Try Deep Watering

If possible, give some of your plants a deep watering. This can include flowering shrubs and larger plants that will be in the full sun all day long. By watering deeply, you’ll encourage the roots to go deeper, which can help it survive in the sweltering summer sun. Gardens can be deep watered too, but only a few times a week for best results.

Don’t Overwater

The best advice here is to monitor the soil for water saturation. If the ground is wet even after the hottest part of the day has passed, then you might not need to water again for a day or two. Reduce the number of days you water until the ground is moist but not waterlogged.

Coastal tip: If you live in a more arid area or want to cut back on your water bill, look into a xeriscape yard. 

Give Your Plants a Cooldown

Adding several inches of mulch or shredded newspaper around the base of your plants and in containers can act as a barrier to keep moisture in when temperatures rise. If your potted plants are suffering in the heat, try putting the whole pot into a larger container. This can help cool the soil and possibly save the plant.

Don’t Water in the Sun

Water droplets amplify the sun and can cause damage to your plants. If you must water in the summer heat to save a plant, do it at the base of the plant and not on the greenery or flowers. Once the sun has set, you can lightly spray plants with cool water to help bring temperatures down.

Leave Dead Leaves

Those brown leaves and dead branches can help protect your plants from the midday heat. Try to leave those barriers there until the heatwave has passed.

Add Some Shade

If the heat is too intense, use a beach umbrella or other forms of shade to give your garden and other plants some relief. Just be sure air is still able to get to the plants.

Get Your Garden Supplies at Coastal

Stop by your Northwest owned and operated Coastal today for hoses, sprinklers, garden tools, as well as plants, seeds, starts, yard art, and a huge supply of soil, compost, and more. While you might not be thinking about it during the hottest part of the year, now is a great time to look into that new wood, pellet or gas-burning stove you’ve been eyeing for years. The experts in our Hearth and Home department are here to help.