As the summers grow warmer and heatwaves gradually become more frequent, it’s not just us who feel the effects of the heat. Our gardens can too! Whilst bursts of sunshine are always welcome after a long winter, consistently high temperatures can take a serious toll on our plants, causing stress, dehydration, and potentially long-term damage to our growing beauties.
With a little planning, weather knowledge, and smart gardening habits, you can keep your outdoor space thriving this summer!
Here are six ways you can prepare your garden for a heatwave:
Keep an eye on the temperature:
Monitoring daily highs and lows can help you anticipate when your garden is under pressure. Using tools such as a Garden Thermometer, especially ones that record maximum and minimum temperatures, is useful for spotting heat spikes that we alone could have missed if we had spent the day indoors. TOP TIP: It’s also important to track soil temperature. Seedlings and roots are sensitive to changing temperatures, and since the soil stores much of the plant’s nutrients, excessive heat can raise the soil’s temperature. This can dry out the soil, making it less suitable for plant growth.
Tracking local temperatures allows you to adapt your watering schedule and protect the more vulnerable plants in your garden before the summer heat causes them stress.
Water early and water deep:
During periods of hot weather, timing is key to a successful growing garden! Although it may seem tempting, watering your plants during peak temperatures can run the risk of soil drying out too quickly, resulting in your plants becoming dehydrated and suffering from heat-related stress. Instead, the best practice is to water your plants early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are at their lowest, this helps reduce water evaporation. Again, it’s important not to overlook your soil health. Check your soil moisture regularly; if your soil is dry at finger depth, it’s probably time for a top-up.
Move your containers into the shade:
Moving plant containers into shade during heat waves helps protect them from direct sunlight, reducing the risk of heat stress and leaf scorching damage. Container plants are more susceptible to experiencing soil moisture loss compared to plants grown in the ground, and therefore can benefit from shadier spots and cooler temperatures. TOP TIP: Using a soil thermometer bundle to monitor sun and shade soil temperature simultaneously allows you to make informed decisions on when it is best to relocate your plants during the warmer periods.
Moving your pots into shadier spots, such as under trees, awnings, and alongside fences, provides your plants with the best chance of survival during these warmer temperatures. If shade is limited, using coverings such as parasols, various garden fabrics, or even an upturned crate can help shield the more vulnerable plants on these scorching days.
Look out for stress signals:
Wilting leaves, brown edges, and crispy leaf tips are all signs that your plant is struggling. Although these symptoms look similar to signs of overwatering, they are also indicators of heat stress. Gardeners can also track humidity levels as well as temperature; dry air combined with excessive heat can result in plants unable to retain moisture and become dehydrated. With help from a hygrometer, you’ll be one step ahead of the ever-changing weather patterns and monitor humidity levels at a glance. Spotting poor plant health early means you can respond quickly before the damage becomes irreversible.
Prioritise the most vulnerable plants:
Not every plant needs the same level of care during a heatwave. Therefore, you must focus your efforts on:
- Newly planted and shallow-rooted plants
- Leafy Greens and herbs such as basil and coriander
- Container-grown plants
- Young seedlings
- Cool-weather crops such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower
- Flowers such as Hydrangeas, Fuchsia, Roses, and Ferns
However, many plants are considered ‘drought-tolerant’ and are equipped to handle the effects of the summer heat. A few examples of these are:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Geranium
- Russian Sage
- Succulents
Plan for the next:
As the heatwave passes, take note of what worked and what didn’t. For next time, you might group heat-sensitive plants in areas with available shade to help them cope better with extreme temperatures. Use weather monitoring instruments to track environmental conditions to help you predict future heat waves. Even something as simple as monitoring your soil’s health can have a huge impact on the overall health of your garden and its potential for building long-term resilience.
When a heatwave is on the horizon, a bit of prep can make all the difference. Tracking local weather, adjusting your daily routine, and providing each plant with the right support, you’ll help your garden not only survive but also come back stronger once the clouds roll in.
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