Hot Weather Gardening: Your Complete Guide to a Thriving Summer Garden
When the heat cranks up, gardens can struggle and so can gardeners. But with the right know-how, your outdoor space can still flourish, even during the driest, sunniest spells. Here’s your complete guide to gardening in hot weather, packed with practical advice, seasonal tips, and ideas to support your plants, lawn, and local wildlife.
Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants
Some plants are better built for heat. Look for drought-tolerant varieties like lavender, sedum, salvia, and rosemary. These sun-lovers can handle dry conditions with far less fuss.
Keep Your Garden Alive in a Heatwave
During extreme heat, focus on keeping things simple. Water deeply and infrequently, mulch generously, and avoid disturbing the soil unnecessarily. Plants will cope better if left undisturbed and well-supported.
Watering Wisdom
Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Target the base of the plant, not the leaves, and give a good soak rather than a light sprinkle. Pots may need watering daily – sometimes twice.
Planting in the Heat
If you’re planting during hot weather, be sure to water the plant in really well and continue watering daily until it’s established. Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Lawn Care in the Heat
It’s natural for lawns to turn brown in the summer – they’ll bounce back. Raise your mower blades to keep grass a little longer, helping it retain moisture. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day.
Help Your Containers Cope
Pots dry out fast. Use water-retaining gel in compost, group containers together to reduce evaporation, and consider moving them to cooler areas like patios or beside fences.
Cool Garden Jobs for Hot Days
Save the heavy digging for cooler days. Stick to deadheading, harvesting, weeding in the shade, and topping up bird baths. Early mornings and evenings are your best friends.
Spotting Heat Stress in Plants
Look out for drooping leaves, dry or scorched edges, and wilting that doesn’t recover overnight. Mulching and consistent watering will help most plants bounce back. You can remove damaged growth, but save any major pruning for cooler conditions.
Wildlife-Friendly Gardening in Hot Weather
Leave out shallow dishes of water for bees and birds, with pebbles or stones for them to perch on. Avoid using pesticides and keep some shady, undisturbed areas where wildlife can shelter.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in the heat doesn’t mean watching everything wilt. With the right tools, timing, and care, you can still enjoy a lush, productive, wildlife-friendly space – even on the hottest days of the year.
Need mulch, drought-tolerant plants, or compost with water-saving crystals? Pop in to Wellington Home and Gardens – we’re always happy to help keep your garden thriving.