It's the Hottest Summer Yet—Our Test Garden's Top Tips Will Help Your Plants Thrive in Extreme Heat

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this summer is projected to be one of the hottest ever. With extreme heat, dry weather usually follows, and even if you’re getting the occasional rainstorm, your area might still end up experiencing drought conditions. And while regular rain certainly makes caring for your garden easier, you don’t have to sacrifice your planted perennials or veggie garden.

Sandra Gerdes, the manager of the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden®, has several tips for maintaining your garden through dry summer weather.

Grow Plants Native to Your Region

You don’t have to replant your entire garden if you’re not growing native plants, but species from your region are more likely to be drought-tolerant.

“Plant species that are normally found in your region have already adapted to the soils, climate, and area pollinators, and thus stand a much better chance of survival during stressful times,” Gerdes says. “We're not saying you can only plant natives, but by incorporating a mix of native species that already possess traits like lower water needs, deep tap roots, and leaves that are small, narrow, or waxy, gardeners will improve their odds of success.”

Incorporate Groundcovers and Organic Matter

When you’re not getting much rain, retaining any water that your garden does receive is key.

According to Gerdes, a layer of mulch in your garden bed will help provide shade for the soil and prevent water from evaporating as quickly. Planting drought-tolerant groundcovers can also have a similar effect, and, like mulch, will also make it more difficult for weeds to take root. Especially if you aren’t able to water your garden much, taking steps to retain moisture in the soil can make a little water last longer.

And for some gardens, enriching the soil can also help it retain moisture. As a bonus, using compost can also reduce the amount of fertilizer your garden needs, allowing the soil to stay nutrient-rich even in dry weather.

“Depending on your soil type, you can also benefit by incorporating organic matter such as compost or leaves to help retain moisture, especially in sandy soils,” Gerdes says.

Be Strategic When You Water

“Water in the cool times of day, so early morning and late evening to reduce loss from evaporation,” Gerdes says.

If you aren’t getting much rain and are making up for it with your watering can or hose, the time of day you choose to water can affect your garden. Whether you water first thing in the morning or wait until evening, choosing the cooler parts of the day allows the water to soak in longer before the heat of the day starts causing evaporation.

Ensure you follow any local restrictions on watering, including pauses on watering lawns and gardens, particularly during severe drought conditions.

Take Advantage of Drip Irrigation

Watering more effectively can also help you conserve a limited water reserve. Instead of turning on the sprinklers or making multiple trips with a watering can, use drip irrigation to direct water exactly where you want it to go.

“Using drip irrigation, in the ground or pots, can also be more effective and efficient by directing the water more precisely to the plant root zone and minimizing evaporation or runoff,” Gerdes says.

Drip irrigation doesn’t have to be complicated, either. There are easy-to-use drip irrigation kits that guide you through the setup process, but you can also create your own DIY system in just a few hours with a few basic supplies.

Give Your Container Gardens the Best Chance for Survival

It’s no secret that hanging baskets and containers will dry out quicker than garden beds when the sun is beating down. Small amounts of soil can have trouble retaining moisture in dry conditions, but there are a few tips you can follow to keep them from getting too dry.

“Potted plants—including hanging baskets—should be checked daily,” Gerdes says. “Glazed or plastic pots won't dry out as fast as terra cotta pots.”

And on especially hot days, make sure your container gardens aren’t sitting in the direct sun.

“You can also move pots to shady areas to minimize drying out,” Gerdes recommends. Even if your plants thrive in full sun, consider moving them to shade during the hottest part of the day–a few hours in the shade will help them retain more moisture while still getting plenty of light.

Garden Chores to Avoid During a Drought

While retaining moisture in your garden is key, there are a few tasks you should avoid in dry weather that can unnecessarily stress and harm your plants. The first is any kind of replanting.

Transplanting

“Avoid transplanting, especially trees, large shrubs, and large perennials, during drought, Gerdes says. “Transplanting is already a stressful act for the plants.”

You’ll also want to water thoroughly after transplanting, which may not be possible with water restrictions during a drought. Therefore, it’s best to leave this garden chore for better weather.

Fertilizing

To help conserve water, also reduce fertilizing and opt for compost or other organic matter if you need to add richness to the soil. Active growth requires more water, so waiting to fertilize can help your plants survive with less water in the meantime.

“If you're reducing watering, then also reduce fertilizing, since fertilizing promotes more plant growth,” Gerdes says.

By making a few wise choices and maximizing the water available, you can help your plants survive hot summer weather.