Heat Wave Gardening: How to Protect Your Plants in Extreme Heat

Heat waves are one of a gardener’s greatest challenges, but with these tips your plants will continue to thrive

Adding mulch around your plants and checking for signs of stress are several ways to make sure plants stay hydrated and healthy during heat waves. zlikovec/Shutterstock

As the mercury rises, keeping plants properly hydrated and thriving becomes a battle that requires a significant change in watering practices, protecting plants from the sun’s scorching rays, and more.

First things first: Make sure you’re staying safe, cool, and hydrated yourself. Schedule yard work during the cooler times of day, such as early morning. Drink before, during, and after gardening, rather than wait until you’re thirsty and risk dehydration. Apply sunblock 30 minutes before going outside. Wear a large hat, garden gloves, and loose-fitting, lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

In the garden, start with checking soil moisture levels daily, and possibly twice a day for container plants. If it’s dry to a finger’s depth, or worse yet, dry even deeper, water immediately. Also, switch to watering in the early morning, as early as possible, to allow the plants to get a good drink before moisture begins to evaporate from the soil’s surface and to properly hydrate the leaves to mitigate another source of water loss: transpiration.